jalapeño

noun

ja·​la·​pe·​ño ˌhä-lə-ˈpā-(ˌ)nyō 

ˌha-, 

-ˈpā-(ˌ)nō, 

-ˈpē-(ˌ)nō 

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

That’s on top of Taylor Farms recalling fresh jalapenos in 26 states over salmonella concerns. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026

MyFitnessPal shared a High-Protein Breakfast Quesadilla estimated at 31g using bacon, eggs, black beans, jalapeno, a whole-grain tortilla, cheddar, baby arugula and cumin. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026

The corn relish is flavored with lime juice and jalapenos for an ideal kick. — Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2026

Readers love the bold combination of crispy potatoes, bacon, barbecue sauce, cheese, jalapeno peppers, and sour cream. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from jalapeño, adjective, of Jalapa

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above