queso

noun

que·​so ˈkā-(ˌ)sō How to pronounce queso (audio)
: a dipping sauce of melted cheese and chopped chili peppers : chili con queso
The author was never told in her Texas elementary school that if she ordered queso … or chalupas once she left home, she'd get only a plateful of disappointment.—Pete Wells
The Mexican-inspired chain is offering free chips with guacamole or queso to customers who purchase their first order on its new smartphone app.—Aric Jenkins

Examples of queso 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.
Beyond tacos, the menu includes fresh salads, The Good Bird Bowl with eggs, roasted sweet potatoes, black beans and avocado, and snacks such as queso and chips and esquites (Mexican street corn). — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026 The hunter-gatherer concept known for paleo bowls, nachos and its vegan queso serves bar-and-grill basics in a healthier form. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026 For The Times) That’s the earthy flower bud that comes in standard pupusas of queso con loroco. — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026 Finally, the confit goat, served with avocado queso, scallion ash, and Sicilian pistachios, is a great value. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for queso

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Spanish, "cheese," going back to Latin cāseus — more at cheese entry 1

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of queso was in 1989

Phrases Containing queso

Rhymes for queso

See All Rhymes for queso

Browse Nearby Words

Quesnay
queso
queso fresco
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Queso.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/queso. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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