tortilla

noun

tor·​ti·​lla tȯr-ˈtē-yə 

: 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 chicken enchiladas with salsa verde cremosa were good, but the Black Angus tacos, served on corn tortillas darkened with squid ink, are the highlight here. — Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

The menu is built around those handmade tortillas, with tacos carved fresh from the trompo, as well as various preparations (burritos, bowls, quesadillas) of classic proteins like carne asada, carnitas and pollo asado. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

Local favorites include 5 Tacos & Beers, which has fresh, housemade corn tortillas, tons of brews on tap, and a charming patio area for outdoor dining. — Barbara Noe Kennedy, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2026

Martinez previously made his own corn tortillas, which garnered ire on social media for easily breaking. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing tortilla

• tortilla chip

Rhymes for tortilla

• aliya
• aliyah
• althea
• apnoea
• dyspnea
• dyspnoea
• hosea
• idea
• kshatriya
• kyrie
• lutea
• maria

Kids Definition

tortilla

noun

tor·​ti·​lla tȯr-ˈtē-(y)ə 

: a thin round of unleavened cornmeal or wheat flour bread

Etymology

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