chorizo

noun

cho·​ri·​zo chə-ˈrē-(ˌ)zō 

-(ˌ)sō

plural chorizos

: a seasoned, coarsely ground, pork sausage

a

: a spicy or sweet ground pork sausage that is seasoned especially with smoked paprika, is used chiefly in Spanish cooking, and is typically sold dried and cured in casings

b

: a spicy ground pork sausage that is seasoned with chili powder and other spices (such as cumin or garlic), is used chiefly in Mexican cooking, and is typically sold uncooked either loose or in casings

Examples of chorizo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The restaurant violated 21 standards, including improper food storage temperatures and mold found on raw chorizo. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 31 Oct. 2025

Several foods were outside of proper holding temperatures, including carnitas, taquitos, pork tamales and potatoes and chorizo. —Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025

Another is the Volcano Tostada, made with carne asada, chorizo, refried beans, queso Chihuahua, pickled onion, avocado salsa verde and salsa macha. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025

The menu will feature empanadas with beef and chorizo, chicken and cheese, and vegetables. —Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chorizo

• carrizo
• mestizo