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

The 18-inch thin and foldable pies include a Margherita pizza, a 'za called The Stockyard with sausage and mushrooms, and one called The Heatwave topped with Calabrian chili oil, pepperoni and jalapeno. —Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Feb. 2026

Adelman is different, the bell pepper to Malone’s jalapeno heat. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026

Garnish with cilantro and jalapeno (if using). —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 23 Feb. 2026

Carolina-style whole hog barbecue is placed atop a tostada, topped with miso mustard aioli and pickled jalapeno. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026

Rapisura-Pardo stuffs a jalapeno half with a creamy crawfish filling, wraps it in a spring roll wrapper and fries until golden. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026

In a large bowl, combine the black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion and jalapeno pepper. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026

Pre-order options like like their bine-in wings, boneless chix tenders, jalapeno poppers, and plenty more to choose from. —Blaine Callahan, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2026

The jalapeno bacon and spiked ketchup add a kick of spice. —Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from jalapeño, adjective, of Jalapa

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above