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

There are staples like tortas and tacos – fillings include carnitas, al pastor, chorizo or potatoes — as well as enchiladas in verde and roja forms. —John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026

La Jaliciense is best known for its corn tacos filled with carne asada, chicken, al pastor, chorizo, beef head or carnitas; and craft cocktails infused with Mexican flavors, like tequila drinks topped with a Jibarito or a Mexican Irish coffee with Tapatio Añejo tequila and Irish whiskey. —Amanda Hancock, IndyStar, 16 Jan. 2026

There was chorizo hanging from a rod in the dry storage. —Sacbee.com, 16 Jan. 2026

While the smoky chorizo and meaty mussels might be the stars of this recipe, white beans take a subtle but necessary backseat. —Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chorizo

• carrizo
• mestizo