masa

noun

ma·​sa ˈmä-sə 

: a dough used in Mexican cuisine (as for tortillas and tamales) that is made from ground corn soaked in a lime and water solution

also : masa harina

Examples of masa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For the love of dough For about five years, Rodriguez, 42, worked at Pancho Villa, preparing tortilla masa there. —Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025

One of El Gato’s most popular vendors, Tacos El Champ typically draws large crowds as Salas dices carne asada and another employee uses a tortilla press to flatten fresh masa. —Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025

At Mercado Sin Nombre heirloom masa transforms a nostalgic lunchbox treat into so much more. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 June 2025

Steam flowed from the cart and the scent of masa drifted through the air as Chris, 14, reached down to pull out tamales. —Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, mash, dough

First Known Use

circa 1896, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing masa

• masa harina

Rhymes for masa

• casa
• fossa
• ossa
• manasseh

Kids Definition

masa

noun

ma·​sa ˈmä-sə 

: a dough used in Mexican cuisine (as for tortillas and tamales) that is made from ground corn soaked in a lime and water solution

also : masa harina