chili

noun

ˈchi-lē 

variants or less commonly chile or chiefly British chilli

plural chilies also chiles or chilis or chiefly British chillies

1

a

or chili pepper : a hot pepper of any of a group of cultivars (Capsicum annuum annuum group longum) noted for their pungency

b

chiefly British chilli : a pepper whether hot or sweet

2

a

: a thick sauce of meat and chilies

liked to cover her spaghetti with red chili

b

: chili con carne

a bowl of chili

also : a similar dish made without beef

vegetarian chili

seafood chili

Examples of chili in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the ingredient list, the spicy pickle flavor comes from dill, celery, garlic, onion powder, red chili pepper, and vinegar, among other things. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 June 2024

Hot peppers, including chili and cayenne, are rich in capsaicin. —Amanda MacMillan, Health, 1 June 2024

Andrew Bui Dawa’s A popular brunch spot for younger Himalayan groups who want to enjoy a glass of wine with dishes like riki kur, a traditional Sherpa potato flatbread served with scallion and green chili cheese spread or shabaley, a Tibetan beef patty with chili garlic sauce. —Tenzin D. Tsagong, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Dec. 2023

According to its posts on Instagram, menu offerings at Slow and Low will include pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, ribs, Texas-style chili and wings. —Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 21 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish chile, from Nahuatl chīlli

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing chili

• chili con carne
• chili con queso
• chili dog
• chili pepper
• chili powder
• chili sauce
• ghost chili

Kids Definition

chili

noun

variants also chile or chilli

ˈchil-ē

plural chilies also chiles or chilis or chillies

1

: hot pepper sense 1

2

: chili con carne

Geographical Definition

Chili

geographical name

ˈchi-lē 

—former, especially British name for Chile or for the once poorly defined Andes border region between Chile and Argentina