enchilada

noun

en·​chi·​la·​da ˌen-chə-ˈlä-də 

1

: a usually corn tortilla rolled around a savory mixture, covered with chili sauce, and usually baked

2

: schmear sense 1, ball of wax

the whole enchilada

Examples of enchilada in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Buffalo chicken is always a crowd-pleasing flavor profile, and this enchilada-style casserole makes the most of its telltale spice and tang. — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 July 2026

Chicken enchiladas are one of our favorite make-ahead meals for the whole family. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2026

In a previous Star-Telegram article, a reader recommended La Rueda for their mac and cheese or chicken enchiladas. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026

Or if you’re renewed enough to start a new week, grab a burrito or enchilada and a milkshake at Geyserville Market and Deli and hit the road. — Alissa Greenberg, Mercury News, 15 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, from feminine of enchilado, past participle of enchilar to season with chili, from Spanish en- en- entry 1 + chile chili

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing enchilada

• the big enchilada
• the whole enchilada

Rhymes for enchilada

• arthropoda
• intifada
• theravada
• armada
• entrada
• espada
• hamada
• jornada
• kannada
• posada
• quebrada
• ramada

Kids Definition

enchilada

noun

en·​chi·​la·​da ˌen-chə-ˈläd-ə 

: a tortilla rolled around a meat or cheese filling and covered with a chili sauce

Etymology

American Spanish, derived from earlier enchilar "to season with chili"