taco

noun

ta·​co ˈtä-(ˌ)kō How to pronounce taco (audio)
plural tacos ˈtä-(ˌ)kōz How to pronounce taco (audio)
: a crispy or soft corn or wheat tortilla that is folded or rolled and stuffed with a mixture (as of seasoned meat, cheese, and lettuce)

Examples of taco 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.
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila The homegrown taco spot has closed its Miracle Mile location in Coral Gables after two and a half years, following a farewell party at the end of July. — Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026 The demotion has raised questions in this city’s insular taco world — about not only what had gone wrong at El Califa, but also which Mexico, rich or poor, should control the narrative of the taco, that most egalitarian of foods. — Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2026 Same with the little hunks of pineapple on the al pastor taco. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for taco

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of taco was in 1901

Rhymes for taco

See All Rhymes for taco

Browse Nearby Words

Tacna
taco
Tacoma
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

taco

noun
ta·​co ˈtäk-ō How to pronounce taco (audio)
plural tacos -ōz How to pronounce taco (audio)
: a usually fried tortilla that is folded or rolled and stuffed with a mixture (as of seasoned meat, cheese, and lettuce)
Etymology

from the Spanish spoken in Mexico taco "taco"

More from Merriam-Webster on taco

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about taco

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