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

Add your favorite enchilada toppings and customize them based on your family's preferences. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025

Fuel up on enchiladas and margaritas at Molino’s Mexican Cuisine or get your culture fix at Mark Arts or the Ulrich Museum of Art, just a quick ride away. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Midwest Living, 29 Dec. 2025

Lunch enchilada, taco or combo platters are about $14 weekdays. —Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Dec. 2025

Its menu is now lined with nachos, enchiladas, chilaquiles, a towering pepito sandwich and more – all inspired by Lopez's upbringing and culinary education in Mexico City. —Mary Lebus, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Dec. 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"