adobo

noun

ado·​bo ə-ˈdō-bō  ä-ˈt͟hō-bō 

plural adobos

1

: a Philippine dish of fish or meat usually marinated in a sauce containing vinegar and garlic, browned in fat, and simmered in the marinade

2

: a spicy marinade used in Latin American cuisine and usually containing vinegar, garlic, and chili peppers

chipotles in adobo

3

: a seasoning mixture that typically includes ground dried garlic, ground dried onion, oregano, salt, and pepper

Examples of adobo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After studying Central Texas barbecue online and on TV, Santana began infusing his classic Southern meats with the Dominican flavors of oregano, sofrito, adobo, sour orange, molasses, honey, and achiote. — Hilary Cadigan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2026

Add the remaining 2 cups of beef stock, tomato sauce, chipotle chilis in adobo, chili powder, cocoa powder, and cumin. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2026

Place the chipotle and adobo in a large bowl and use a fork or spoon to smash the chipotle against the sides of the bowl. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

The food truck officially launched in 2021 and serves Filipino-style egg rolls, along with dishes such as chicken adobo and pancit, or Filipino-style noodles. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 19 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Spanish, "marinade," noun derivative of adobar "to arrange, prepare, cook, marinate," borrowed from Old French adober "to arm (a knight), prepare," from a- (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + -dober, borrowed from Old Low Franconian *dubban "to strike"; akin to Old Frisian dubba "to hit, knock" — more at dub entry 1

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for adobo

• bobo
• hobo
• lobo
• oboe