enchilada

noun

en·​chi·​la·​da ˌen-chə-ˈlä-də 

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

The decor is over-the-top and colorful—the mural American Dream portraying 100 influential Hispanic men and women graces the main dining room—and the menu revolves around comforting Tex-Mex and Mexican staples such as cheezy enchiladas and menudo, a spicy tripe stew. —Katie Chang, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024

The Mexican restaurant and bar offers Christmas enchiladas and mistletoe martinis to be enjoyed surrounded by colorful Christmas lights and wreaths. —Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 27 Nov. 2024

Scatter the green chiles on top and then pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top; sprinkle with remaining cheese. —Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 26 Nov. 2024

Sayulita Taco Mariscos and Tequila Bar in Rolling Meadows is celebrating Friendsgiving with cheese enchiladas en mole, taquitos, mango cheesecake and more. —Monica Eng, Axios, 24 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing enchilada

• the big enchilada
• the whole enchilada

Kids Definition

enchilada

noun

en·​chi·​la·​da ˌen-chə-ˈläd-ə 

: 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"