empanada

noun

em·​pa·​na·​da ˌem-pə-ˈnä-də How to pronounce empanada (audio)
: a turnover with a sweet or savory filling

Examples of empanada in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The seminal dishes are almost always empanadas to start, as a snack or a meal or culinary introduction to the country. Liza B. Zimmerman, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 With a more relaxed atmosphere than its predecessor, Puma serves traditional South American appetizers like fresh ceviche and melty Ecuadorian empanadas. AFAR Media, 2 May 2025 Attendees will find a wealth of food, including empanadas, Caribbean dishes, tacos, quesadillas and more, Camacho said. Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 25 May 2025 The couple sold the boutique before taking over the family business in 2023, allowing Ruben to retire, though Martinelli still hand-folds most empanadas alongside Twilla in the truck. Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for empanada

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, from Spanish, feminine of empanado, past participle of empanar to bread, from em- (from Latin in-) + pan bread, from Latin panis — more at food

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of empanada was in 1866

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Cite this Entry

“Empanada.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empanada. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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