jalapeño

noun

ja·​la·​pe·​ño ˌhä-lə-ˈpā-(ˌ)nyō How to pronounce jalapeño (audio)
ˌha-,
-ˈpā-(ˌ)nō,
-ˈpē-(ˌ)nō How to pronounce jalapeño (audio)
variants or less commonly jalapeno
plural jalapeños also jalapenos
: a small plump dark green chili pepper of Mexico and the southern U.S.

called also jalapeño pepper

Examples of jalapeño in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The classic sweet, sour, and salty flavors that people love in traditional margaritas are elevated by the balance of jalapeno heat, tangy tajin, and cool, refreshing watermelon. Aly Walansky, Forbes, 17 Feb. 2024 Cloister Honey in Charlotte will have whipped, infused and traditional honeys ranging from hot jalapeno to wildflower blends. Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Garnish with a slice of jalapeno and lime and serve. John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2024 Hector Garcia, co-owner of Joy Burgers in Las Vegas Joy Burgers serves loaded burgers with toppings like onion rings, chipotle dressing, bacon, and jalapeno pesto. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 19 Jan. 2024 Green bell pepper, cilantro, Mexican chorizo, and chopped jalapeno add zing to your go-to cornbread dressing recipe. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2023 Specialty burritos include the General T., with chicken tossed in General Tso’s sauce, white rice, sour cream, fresh jalapenos and cheese – and the Nashville, with fried chicken, Nashville hot sauce, white rice, pickles, sour cream or ranch. Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 29 Feb. 2024 Others like jalapenos and tomatoes come at an additional price. Jessica Rodriguez, Journal Sentinel, 29 Feb. 2024 When Winslow’s opened, families went for pizzas like the Jim Bowie: barbecued chicken and bacon with barbecue sauce and jalapenos ($19). Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jalapeño.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from jalapeño, adjective, of Jalapa

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jalapeño was in 1931

Dictionary Entries Near jalapeño

Cite this Entry

“Jalapeño.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jalape%C3%B1o. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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