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

The dining also reflects Gloria Ferrer’s heritage: chorizo, charcuterie and tapas like gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) from Spain. —Katie Sweeney, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

Open up wide for the potatoes and Mexican chorizo inside, topped with lettuce, cheese and cream. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 16 June 2025

Shrimp are sweet and tender, and the chorizo is intensely smoky. —Sandals Resorts, AFAR Media, 2 June 2025

Another favorite on our Des Moines adventure was the sweet corn in a cup; look for the ones with cotija cheese, chorizo and chips. —Kathy Berdan, Twin Cities, 27 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chorizo

• carrizo
• mestizo