chorizo

noun

cho·​ri·​zo chə-ˈrē-(ˌ)zō 

-(ˌ)sō

plural chorizos

: a seasoned, coarsely ground, pork sausage

a

: a spicy or sweet ground pork sausage that is seasoned especially with smoked paprika, is used chiefly in Spanish cooking, and is typically sold dried and cured in casings

b

: a spicy ground pork sausage that is seasoned with chili powder and other spices (such as cumin or garlic), is used chiefly in Mexican cooking, and is typically sold uncooked either loose or in casings

Examples of chorizo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Muchas Gracias Mexican Food (1830 E. Main St., Woodland): Muchas Gracias’ second California location (Redding had the first) began making loaded quesadillas, chorizo plates and late-night chicken fajita burritos on March 7 in downtown Woodland. —Benjy Egel, Sacbee.com, 5 Apr. 2025

Swap bacon for chorizo or soyrizo, or add potatoes to make the tacos even heartier. —Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025

This Mexican-style skillet dish starts with homemade tortilla chips and is layered with the freshest ingredients, including chorizo, avocado, onion, tomato, and more. —Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2025

Festive dogs featuring their chorizo, hatch green chile, and jalapeño brats will be sold at three sections of the stadium. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chorizo

• carrizo
• mestizo