masa

noun

ma·​sa ˈmä-sə 

: a dough used in Mexican cuisine (as for tortillas and tamales) that is made from ground corn soaked in a lime and water solution

also : masa harina

Examples of masa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Allegani Jani Schofield was the first woman to win this award, so our version is inspired by her original, which stood out for its clever use of several ingredients, including masa flour and mole paste. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025

The days leading up to Christmas are the busiest of the year as people wait hours in line to buy masa by the pound. —Rick Montanez, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025

The lightest, mole amarillo, is actually more ochre in color, and is thickened with masa, or corn flour. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 20 Dec. 2025

Particularly popular around Christmas and other holidays or reasons to celebrate, tamales are made with masa — a dough made from corn flour — steamed in a corn husk and seasoned with meat, cheese or other fillings. —Evan Mealins, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, mash, dough

First Known Use

circa 1896, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing masa

• masa harina

Rhymes for masa

• casa
• fossa
• ossa
• manasseh

Kids Definition

masa

noun

ma·​sa ˈmä-sə 

: a dough used in Mexican cuisine (as for tortillas and tamales) that is made from ground corn soaked in a lime and water solution

also : masa harina