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

This gentle, gradual thawing process helps preserve the chili’s texture and flavor. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2026

This November, find Diwali celebrations, a Thanksgiving wine tasting, immersive decor themes and two opportunities to pass judgment on chili. — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 3 Nov. 2026

The Obama Family Chili received a presidential seal of approval after Payne adapted the original chili recipe. — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026

For those looking for a stew-like meal with winter approaching, the eatery serves Papaitan, a Filipino soup with meat, ginger, garlic, onions, Thai chili peppers and other animal organs. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026

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 crisp
• chili dog
• chili oil
• chili powder
• chili sauce
• chili verde
• ghost chili

Rhymes for chili

• billie
• billy
• chilli
• chilly
• dilly
• filly
• frilly
• gillie
• gilly
• hilly
• lily
• philly

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