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

Agaves Mexican Grill offers a large sampling of burritos, street tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas and more. —Jenna Thompson april 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2026

Open since 1922, the restaurant has a few different locations in the area, and its menu puts a local spin on northern Mexican fare, including enchiladas, tamales, tacos, margaritas, and more. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026

Expect a lively start with ceviche, followed by options like short-rib enchiladas or chicken fajitas before the brass kicks in. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026

Tacos and enchiladas come in pairs and include seafood, meat and vegetarian varieties. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026

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"