achiote

noun

achi·​o·​te ˌä-chē-ˈō-tē How to pronounce achiote (audio)
: a spice made from the red seed of the annatto tree
also : the seed from which the spice is made

Examples of achiote in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Famed chef Jose Andres has brought his flavors to Flushing, orchestrating the Mexican cuisine inside the Dobel Tequila Club with Oyamel by Jose Andres Group, including Oyamel’s Taco Cochinita, made of Yucatan-style pit barbecued port, achiote, Mexican sour orange and pickled red onions. Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025 The best entree is the simplest, fish tacos (+$6), three beauties with achiote and lime-marinated chunks of cobia, packed with red cabbage, pico de gallo and lime aioli. Constance Ogle, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2025 At Viva Cincy, the fish is seasoned with achiote adobo, which packs a peppery and musky punch, and is served topped with pickled onions and pico. Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025 Another marinade mimicked the bitter orange and achiote of pibil, Mr. Marcel’s favorite dish growing up in Los Angeles with parents from Jalisco and Colima. Tejal Rao, New York Times, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for achiote

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from American Spanish, borrowed from Nahuatl āchiotl "annatto tree"

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of achiote was in 1648

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Achiote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/achiote. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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