enchilada

noun

en·​chi·​la·​da ˌen-chə-ˈlä-də How to pronounce enchilada (audio)
Synonyms of enchiladanext
1
: a usually corn tortilla rolled around a savory mixture, covered with chili sauce, and usually baked
2
: schmear sense 1, ball of wax
the whole enchilada

Examples of enchilada 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.
This recipe combines ground beef and veggies, chewy tortillas, rich enchilada sauce, and two types of gooey cheese. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 June 2026 Or if you’re renewed enough to start a new week, grab a burrito or enchilada and a milkshake at Geyserville Market and Deli and hit the road. — Alissa Greenberg, Mercury News, 15 June 2026 In a previous Star-Telegram article, a reader recommended La Rueda for their mac and cheese or chicken enchiladas. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for enchilada

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, from feminine of enchilado, past participle of enchilar to season with chili, from Spanish en- en- entry 1 + chile chili

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enchilada was in 1878

Phrases Containing enchilada

Rhymes for enchilada

See All Rhymes for enchilada

Browse Nearby Words

Enchelycephali
enchilada
enchiridion
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enchilada.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enchilada. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

enchilada

noun
en·​chi·​la·​da ˌen-chə-ˈläd-ə How to pronounce enchilada (audio)
: a tortilla rolled around a meat or cheese filling and covered with a chili sauce
Etymology

American Spanish, derived from earlier enchilar "to season with chili"

More from Merriam-Webster on enchilada

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for enchilada

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about enchilada

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