jalapeño

noun

ja·​la·​pe·​ño ˌhä-lə-ˈpā-(ˌ)nyō How to pronounce jalapeño (audio)
ˌha-,
-ˈpā-(ˌ)nō,
-ˈpē-(ˌ)nō How to pronounce jalapeño (audio)
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
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.
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 Its fiery alter ego features a Caliente Sauce made with red jalapenos. Tanasia Kenney, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2025 Put the beans in a serving dish, top with jalapenos and pico, and dig in. Audrey Bruno, SELF, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from jalapeño, adjective, of Jalapa

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jalapeño was in 1931

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jalapeño.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jalape%C3%B1o. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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