variants
or less commonly chile
or chiefly British chilli
plural chilies also chiles or chilis or chiefly British chillies
1
a
or chili pepper
: a hot pepper of any of a group of cultivars (Capsicum annuum annuum group longum) noted for their pungency
b
chiefly British chilli
: a pepper whether hot or sweet
2
a
: a thick sauce of meat and chilies
liked to cover her spaghetti with red chili
b
: chili con carne
a bowl of chili
also
: a similar dish made without beef
vegetarian chili
seafood chili
Examples of chili in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Use the slow cooker for pot roast or chili, or make a simmer pot with oranges, cinnamon, and herbs to help your house smell incredible.
—
Erica Jackson Curran, Parents, 11 Jan. 2026
Many chili recipes can get out of control, calling for a long list of spices, but this one delivers big flavors by calling for the perfect amounts of just the right ones.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
Both anchovy paste and tomato paste can add depth to dressings, sauces, and pasta dishes; sherry vinegar is ideal for vinaigrettes and glazes; a jar of capers can elevate simple hors d'oeuvres; and chili sambals can bring the heat to eggs, marinades, and stir-fries.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 9 Jan. 2026
Traditionalists say chili only includes beef, tomatoes and heat — absolutely nothing else.
—Indianapolis Star, IndyStar, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chili
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Erica Jackson Curran, Parents, 11 Jan. 2026
Many chili recipes can get out of control, calling for a long list of spices, but this one delivers big flavors by calling for the perfect amounts of just the right ones.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
Both anchovy paste and tomato paste can add depth to dressings, sauces, and pasta dishes; sherry vinegar is ideal for vinaigrettes and glazes; a jar of capers can elevate simple hors d'oeuvres; and chili sambals can bring the heat to eggs, marinades, and stir-fries.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 9 Jan. 2026
Traditionalists say chili only includes beef, tomatoes and heat — absolutely nothing else.
—Indianapolis Star, IndyStar, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chili
Cite this Entry
“Chili.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chili. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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