tortilla

noun

tor·​ti·​lla tȯr-ˈtē-yə 

: a thin round of unleavened cornmeal or wheat flour bread usually eaten hot with a topping or filling (as of ground meat or cheese)

Examples of tortilla in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Participants will be able to make their personalized tortilla holder at the initial maker space lab at 6 p.m. on March 5 on the library’s lower level giving the public its first opportunity to try the new equipment. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025

The brunch menu is highlighted by Spanish omelets, paella, tortilla Española, short rib hash and a waffle breakfast sandwich. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025

Meanwhile, workers had to clean four rodent duds off bulk containers of flour and five out of the case of tortillas. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025

The Wake-Up Wraps are made with bacon, sausage, turkey sausage or meatless with egg and cheese in a soft flour tortilla. —Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from American Spanish (Mexico, Central America, parts of the Caribbean and South America), from Spanish, diminutive of torta "cake, pastry," going back to Late Latin tōrta "round loaf of bread" — more at tart entry 2

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tortilla

• tortilla chip

Kids Definition

tortilla

noun

tor·​ti·​lla tȯr-ˈtē-(y)ə 

: a thin round of unleavened cornmeal or wheat flour bread

Etymology

American Spanish, literally "little cake," from Spanish torta "cake"