jalapeño

noun

ja·​la·​pe·​ño ˌhä-lə-ˈpā-(ˌ)nyō How to pronounce jalapeño (audio)
ˌha-
-ˈpā-(ˌ)nō
-ˈpē-(ˌ)nō How to pronounce jalapeño (audio)
variants or less commonly jalapeno
plural jalapeños also jalapenos
: a small plump dark green chili pepper of Mexico and the southern U.S.

called also jalapeño pepper

Examples of jalapeño 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.
Roasted pumpkin seeds and diced jalapenos sprinkled on top add heat and crunch. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026 The birria poppers are jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese and birria and sold with housemade jalapeno ranch. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2026 At a restaurant that prides itself on being in harmony with the seasons, the jalapeno cornbread waffle is one of the only dishes at Restaurant Constance that’s constant. Andre James, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2026 All breakfast tacos start with a base of egg and cheese with the option of adding brisket, chorizo, jalapeno sausage, bacon or steak. Idaho Statesman, 28 Mar. 2026 Before any steps could even be Strava-ed, the first in line for pastries grabbed a vegan strawberry croissant filled with vanilla custard in one hand and a za’atar jalapeno olive roll in the other. Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026 Add bell peppers, tomato, shallot and jalapeno and continue cooking 2 minutes, stirring frequently. C.w. Cameron, AJC.com, 15 Mar. 2026 The chicken al pastor is topped with pineapple, avocado, jalapeno salsa and queso fresco. Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 Finish with your choice of toppings -- sour cream, pickled jalapenos, scallions, cilantro and hot sauce -- and serve immediately. Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from jalapeño, adjective, of Jalapa

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jalapeño was in 1931

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jalapeño.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jalape%C3%B1o. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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