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

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

That’s like trying to make Scheana’s famous enchiladas with a recipe for chimichangas and then being surprised when there aren’t enchiladas on your plate. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 June 2025

Whether served smooth or chunky, salsa verde adds a burst of brightness to everything from tacos and tamales to eggs and enchiladas. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025

The star of this enchilada variation is the creamy green sauce made from bright salsa verde and Mexican crema. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 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"