ancho

noun

an·​cho ˈän-chō How to pronounce ancho (audio)
plural anchos
: a poblano chili pepper especially when mature and dried to a reddish black compare poblano

Examples of ancho in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When heated, add ancho chili and ground cinnamon and stir until mixed. — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 23 Feb. 2026 This side dish has chipotle, hatch, and ancho chillies for an extra kick—and don't forget the bacon. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2026 For a milder alternative, try ancho chili powder. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026 Brown butchers then salts the chickens overnight, and marinates them in a mixture of ancho and puya chiles, garlic and chipotle. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ancho

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish (chile) ancho, literally, wide chili

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ancho was in 1902

Rhymes for ancho

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Browse Nearby Words

Anchitherium
ancho
anchor
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Cite this Entry

“Ancho.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancho. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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