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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It’s topped with a slice of jalapeno cheese, though customers can substitute cheddar or American. Drew Pittock, USA Today, 7 June 2026 Filled with your choice of meat or tofu, radish, cucumbers, carrots, cilantro, and jalapeno, the sandwiches are served on French bread that’s chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Julekha Dash, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026 Everyone will devour these cute little sandwiches, which have a welcome kick from pickled jalapenos. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 June 2026 Velvety Green Garlic Vichyssoise stars chilled potato-leek bisque with ricotta, and the spicy Shrimp Campechana combines poached shrimp, mango, lime, tomato and jalapeno in a tangy chunky salsa served with avocado and housemade crispy tortilla chips fried in rice oil. Laura Ness, Mercury News, 26 May 2026 Fried Brussels sprouts are a standout, as are the jalapeno-flecked corn muffins. Kate Williams, AJC.com, 22 May 2026 This salsa—with fresh sweet corn, red bell pepper, and jalapeno peppers—will bring bright seasonal flavors and sweet heat to your next summer party. Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 21 May 2026 This includes the always popular jalapeno peppers, which grow well in 3 to 5-gallon containers, as well as ultra fiery plants like the Carolina reaper and Thai chilies, which can be used to liven up stir fries or make your own DIY hot sauce. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2026 The birria poppers are jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese and birria and sold with housemade jalapeno ranch. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2026

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jalapeño.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jalape%C3%B1o. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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