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

Jesús is one of the few cafes that serves both home cooking and good Tex-Mex enchiladas. —Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2025

That includes traditional Mexican items such as chimichangas, burritos, tacos, enchiladas, vegetarian dishes, combination dishes and dessert items. —Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025

Surprise the family with enchiladas on a weeknight. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025

Venezuelan restaurants selling empanadas and arepas opened in the same plaza as a Mexican supermarket that offers tacos and enchiladas. —Gisela Salomon, Fortune, 2 Oct. 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"