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

Examples of masa 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.
And then the chochoyotes, thumb-print-size masa dumplings, landed in front of me. The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025 The dish, a traditional cornerstone of Mexican cuisine that dates back over a thousand years, is a corn wrapping, called masa, filled with meats, vegetables and cheese, rolled then steamed or boiled in a corn husk. Kansas City Star, 19 Sep. 2025 Get the recipe > This rustic soup from Chiapas, Mexico, features the grassy flavor of fresh chipilín leaves in a rich corn broth, with tender masa dumplings stuffed with creamy queso fresco for a satisfying bite. Saveur Editors, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025 Stir together 1/2 cup water and masa in a small bowl until smooth. Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for masa

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Masa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masa. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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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