elote

noun

elo·​te ā-ˈlō-(ˌ)tā 

variants or less commonly elotes

plural elotes

: grilled corn on the cob that is coated with a creamy spread (such as mayonnaise, sour cream, or crema) and garnished with toppings (such as lime juice, cotija cheese, and chili powder)

In Mexico, elote … is a popular treat sold as a street snack by sellers that push wooden carts parked outside government buildings, public schools, state fairs … or any other place where people gather.

—Mely Martínez

Just as you may see elote offered at street fairs in the United States, it's also a popular … food in Mexico. Who can resist grilled corn slathered with crema and sprinkled with bold spices?

—Edgar Castrejón

Elotes is the famous Mexican street food of corn brushed with creamy mayonnaise, cheese and lime.

—Lilly Higgins

Elotes are almost all I want to eat by the end of the summer.

—Leah Eskin

called also Mexican street corn, street corn

compare esquites

Examples of elote in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pizza, fries, beans, elotes, cornbread, shakes, banana pudding and more can be found at various vendors. —Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2024

It's dusted with cotija cheese and served over a bed of crisp kettle chips with a side of elote dip. —Jessica Rodriguez, Journal Sentinel, 30 July 2024

Though Pig Latin prides itself on its tequila and tacos, don’t overlook the elote ribs ($10). —Irene Milanez, Sacramento Bee, 25 July 2024

At Hot Daisy, the offerings range from classic pepperoni, which can be ordered firefighter style with hot peppers, to an elote slice — a surprise favorite for a purist like me. —Jill Cassidy, The Arizona Republic, 14 June 2024

And the results — a veggie-forward Thai noodle salad, a pickled pepper take on potato salad and a garlicky elote number — will stand out from the sea of ho-hum summer sides. —Gretchen McKay, The Mercury News, 13 June 2024

There are animal adoptions, an elote cart handing out free cups, and lots of samples from different pet brands. —R29 Team, refinery29.com, 22 Apr. 2024

What is Tha Corn Man? Campbell made his name as Tha Corn Man with elotes, Mexican street corn – topped with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and cilantro – and served on the cob or in cups. —Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 22 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Spanish of Mexico and Central America, "fresh ear of corn," borrowed from Nahuatl ēlōtl

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above