achiote

noun

achi·​o·​te ˌä-chē-ˈō-tē How to pronounce achiote (audio)
: a spice made from the red seed of the annatto tree
also : the seed from which the spice is made

Examples of achiote in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web It is prepared in small batches with a marinade of morita peppers, ground achiote, pineapple and lime, according to the company. Fielding Buck, Orange County Register, 14 Mar. 2024 The dish is made with chicken in a marinade of seared morita peppers and ground achiote with a splash of pineapple, and finished with lime and cilantro. Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 13 Mar. 2024 Add the achiote seasoning, mix well until the mixture starts turning a light orange color, then splash in the Mexican lager. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 9 Mar. 2024 Highlights here include an 11-hour Yucatecan-style cochinita pibil, tacos stuffed with pork confit and an entire branzino rubbed with achiote. Brock Keeling, Orange County Register, 8 Feb. 2024 From achiote trees to red begonias to bird’s nest ferns, their impressive year-round collection is a feast for the senses. Anna Haines, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 Add the achiote and spices and toast lightly, about 30 seconds. Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2024 Add a few lime wedges and fresh cilantro and that’s it: dinner, ready to go. Sheet-Pan Citrus Chicken With Roasted Onions and Sweet Potatoes Brightly colored and boldly flavored, achiote paste lends this simple chicken supper a satisfying, earthy depth. Kitty Greenwald, WSJ, 1 Nov. 2023 Specialties include the half-pound Monster Burgers, achiote chipotle or Calabrian chili buffalo wings, blackened salmon BLT and lobster roll sandwiches, local catch ceviche and steaks. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'achiote.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from American Spanish, borrowed from Nahuatl āchiotl "annatto tree"

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of achiote was in 1648

Dictionary Entries Near achiote

Cite this Entry

“Achiote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/achiote. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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