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.
Varieties include creamy lemon dill, creamy jalapeno, creamy barbecue and creamy cherry mustard. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 15 Dec. 2024 Additional dishes include seaweed tacos, yellowtail jalapenos, sashimi salad and black cod, along with tuna, white fish and salmon sushi rolls. Raven Brunner, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024 Third course: Roasted broccolini and pickled peppers, jalapeno risotto, white balsamic vinaigrette and grated grana padano. Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 4 Nov. 2024 For spice lovers, pickled jalapenos are also available, and Dewey's provides a side of Skyline hot sauce. David Wysong, The Enquirer, 16 Oct. 2024 For example, there’s pepperoni, jalapeno, hot honey and ranch marinara in the pizza rolls at The Corner Store. Andy Wang, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024 Add onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, bacon, cheese, ketchup, or nothing at all! Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024 For spice lovers, pickled jalapenos are also available. David Wysong, The Enquirer, 9 Oct. 2024 What to try: The jalapenos and cheese pupusa is required. Alex Golden, Axios, 21 Oct. 2024

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

Dictionary Entries Near jalapeño

Cite this Entry

“Jalapeño.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jalape%C3%B1o. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!