Tejano

noun

Te·​ja·​no tā-ˈhä-(ˌ)nō 

plural Tejanos

1

: a Texan of Hispanic descent

—often used before another noun

the Tejano community

2

[probably short for conjunto tejano, literally, Texan ensemble] : Tex-Mex popular music that combines elements of European waltzes and polkas, country music, and rock and that often features an accordion

—often used before another noun

a Tejano band

Examples of Tejano in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Selena’s background was in Tejano, yet she was heavily influenced by heavy-hitters in pop, disco and R&B — namely Jody Watley, Janet Jackson and Donna Summer. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

The inclusion was made possible by approval from the late Tejano star’s estate, which has rarely granted use of her music since her death in 1995. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 4 Sep. 2026

The scenes will include a tribute to the vaqueros, the Mexican and Tejano cowboys who made up about one-fourth of Old West ranch hands and trail drivers. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Aug. 2026

Along the way, visitors can enjoy exhibits, including the Selena Memorial, which honors Tejano star and Corpus Christi native Selena Quintanilla-Perez, as well as a scale model of the solar system. — Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 28 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from Tejas Texas

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Tejano

• chicano
• hispano
• serrano
• solano
• soprano
• americano
• castellano
• cebuano
• mexicano
• llano
• mano