masa

noun

ma·​sa ˈmä-sə How to pronounce masa (audio)
: a dough used in Mexican cuisine (as for tortillas and tamales) that is made from ground corn soaked in a lime and water solution
also : masa harina

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Everything at Las Cazuelas starts with a wad of masa, which is flattened in a wood tortilla press and placed over a circular plancha. Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 13 Feb. 2023 Beyond making his own masa and frying the shells to order, Meeks is mum on the other secrets involved in making the dopamine-inducing tacos. Amanda Albee, Dallas News, 8 Aug. 2022 During the meal there were also garnachas, pillowy masa discs about as wide as a soda can that often feature shredded meat and are sometimes garnished with pickled purple cabbage. Joe Ray, WIRED, 3 Mar. 2023 One of the most unique cocktails, the Tejuino, is a complex and boozy blend of Mexican corn whiskey, overproof rum, lime juice, piloncillo, and masa that the team fermented in-house with koji, typically used to make sake. Emma Balter, Chron, 23 Feb. 2023 Gaviria wants this to be the beginning of all kinds of books on masa. Gina Rae La Cerva, Outside Online, 28 Oct. 2022 And blending the fresh masa with milk and coffee beans in Carlos Salgado’s coffee atole gifted me with my new favorite wintertime drink. Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2022 The masa is then pressed on top before it’s filled, sauced and wrapped. Rick A. Martínez, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2022 One of the most popular creations are prison tamales, made with packets or cans of meat added to moistened, crushed Doritos that are used in place of masa. Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 20 July 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'masa.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, mash, dough

First Known Use

circa 1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of masa was circa 1896

Dictionary Entries Near masa

Cite this Entry

“Masa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masa. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

masa

noun
ma·​sa ˈmä-sə How to pronounce masa (audio)
: a dough used in Mexican cuisine (as for tortillas and tamales) that is made from ground corn soaked in a lime and water solution
also : masa harina

More from Merriam-Webster on masa

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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