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

Her preference inspired the taquería’s vegetarian menu that spans tortas, mulitas, burritos and cheese enchiladas. — Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Lobster enchiladas come with salsa roja, queso fresco, and lime crema; pan-roasted salmon is accompanied by gluten-free peanut noodles and cucumber salad spiked with nuoc cham (a Vietnamese dipping sauce). — Luke Pyenson, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

Gluten-free mac and cheese, chicken enchiladas, avocado Caesar salad and more are also on the menu. — Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026

Our easiest enchilada recipe ever comes together in just 25 minutes. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 July 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"