jalapeño

noun

ja·​la·​pe·​ño ˌhä-lə-ˈpā-(ˌ)nyō 

ˌha-,

-ˈpā-(ˌ)nō,

-ˈpē-(ˌ)nō 

variants or less commonly jalapeno

plural jalapeños also jalapenos

: a small plump dark green chili pepper of Mexico and the southern U.S.

called also jalapeño pepper

Examples of jalapeño in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Assemble Use a Microplane to grate the frozen jalapeno onto a cutting board. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025

Kruger said the Crossroads Cosmo will continue to offer limited-time-only items like the Goober Burger, a smash burger topped with peanut butter and jalapeno jam. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025

Add tomatoes, beans, brown ale, jalapenos, tomato paste, brown sugar, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 2025

Another, the Jacked Up sandwich, contains jalapenos, cheese, bacon and sauces. —Jason Dill, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025

What Is Cowboy Caviar? Also known as Texas Caviar, this hearty and colorful dip is essentially a saucy bean salad made with black beans or black-eyed peas, corn, onions, red bell peppers, jalapenos, lime juice and spices (no actual caviar involved). —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025

Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad with Feta Dressing This recipe is perfect for tailgating with a grill, because the corn, scallions and jalapeno all benefit from a quick char to give them a depth of flavor. —Nick Siano, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2025

For example, adding jalapenos, Colby Jack cheese and salsa for something Mexican-inspired or mixing maple syrup with the eggs and half and half for a sweet and salty effect. —The Tennessean, 27 Dec. 2024

Other products with a high concentration of Mexican imports include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, jalapenos, limes and mangos. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 3 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from jalapeño, adjective, of Jalapa

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above