enchilada

noun

en·​chi·​la·​da ˌen-chə-ˈlä-də 

1

: a usually corn tortilla rolled around a savory mixture, covered with chili sauce, and usually baked

2

: schmear sense 1, ball of wax

the whole enchilada

Examples of enchilada in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Stunning new steakhouse is a love letter to Mexico Don't expect nachos and enchiladas at Eduardo Medina's latest restaurant. —Daily Briefing, AZCentral.com, 4 July 2025

What seemed like a stunning change at first now seems familiar and comfortable, particularly the Pulido’s enchiladas. —Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2025

Try these excellent enchiladas in East Walnut Hills. —Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 May 2025

There’s also an assortment of tacos, a hearty burger with roasted poblanos and chipotle aioli, and seafood enchiladas. —Katie Sweeney, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, from feminine of enchilado, past participle of enchilar to season with chili, from Spanish en- en- entry 1 + chile chili

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing enchilada

• the big enchilada
• the whole enchilada

Rhymes for enchilada

• arthropoda
• intifada
• theravada
• armada
• entrada
• espada
• hamada
• jornada
• kannada
• posada
• quebrada
• ramada

Kids Definition

enchilada

noun

en·​chi·​la·​da ˌen-chə-ˈläd-ə 

: a tortilla rolled around a meat or cheese filling and covered with a chili sauce

Etymology

American Spanish, derived from earlier enchilar "to season with chili"