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 pastry is different from most other empanada shells, and not just because of the color. Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026 The couple were enjoying Little Havana’s urban life, which included regular morning walks for cafecito and an empanada. Sherrilyn Cabrera, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2026 Particular Phoenix locations are trying out bite-sized empanadas full of beef and three-cheese blend sold with Mexican Pizza sauce on the side. Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025 Tango’s offers a whopping 52 fillings for its empanadas. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 26 Nov. 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 2 Feb. 2026.

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