habanero

noun

ha·​ba·​ne·​ro ˌ(h)ä-bə-ˈn(y)er-ō How to pronounce habanero (audio)
variants or less commonly habañero
: a very hot roundish chili pepper (Capsicum chinense) that is usually orange when mature

Examples of habanero 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.
When squash is tender, add tomatoes, tomato paste, Sazón, habanero powder, nutmeg and lemon oil or zest, stirring to combine well. Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Oct. 2025 There’s a drop of habanero juice in there! Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2025 Their heat is measured in Scoville Heat Units, with habaneros and ghost peppers registering the highest numbers and mild peppers like Anaheim having the lowest. Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 18 Sep. 2025 Judging by the TikTok videos (and according to the Cleveland Clinic), turmeric, rosemary, lemons, oranges, and jalapeños or habaneros are commonly added as well. Caroline Tien, SELF, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for habanero

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish (chile) habanero, literally, Havanan chili

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of habanero was in 1972

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Cite this Entry

“Habanero.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/habanero. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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