tortilla

noun

tor·​ti·​lla tȯr-ˈtē-yə How to pronounce tortilla (audio)
: 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 The workshop will focus on the cultural significance of the tortilla and will be led by Ron Oliver, former chef of The Marine Room and owner of artisanal masa company Manos de Mujer Masa. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024 In our group of three, everybody loved the meltingly tender cabeza tacos, served simply atop two corn tortillas and topped with onions and cilantro. The Arizona Republic, 11 Mar. 2024 To serve, heat the tortillas in a skillet or on a griddle until warm and softened. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 9 Mar. 2024 That same simplicity and attention to ingredients applies to other Spanish tapas, from tortilla de patatas (Spanish tortilla) to pan con tomate (grated fresh tomato on bread) or gazpacho. Laura McLively, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2024 Even now, his parents serve lunch seven days a week at a traditional restaurant, and his grandmother rises at 4:30 every day to make dozens of what some say are the best tortillas in Spain. Ann Abel, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 In these pieces, he is seen making tortillas in a Manhattan kitchen, standing before the Guggenheim Museum with his friends and reading about John Lennon‘s murder. Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2024 Brisket, generously fatty and redolent of oaky smoke, is doused in chimichurri and served on flour tortillas. Kayla Stewart, Bon Appétit, 23 Feb. 2024 Expect nachos and ceviche; tacos on handmade tortillas and more. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tortilla.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tortilla was in 1648

Dictionary Entries Near tortilla

Cite this Entry

“Tortilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tortilla. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

tortilla

noun
tor·​ti·​lla tȯr-ˈtē-(y)ə How to pronounce tortilla (audio)
: a thin round of unleavened cornmeal or wheat flour bread
Etymology

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

More from Merriam-Webster on tortilla

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!