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Tamale Has Origins in South America
Hot tamale is sometimes used figuratively, as in our second example, to suggest sexual attractiveness, but it's the word's literal use that puts it in an interesting category. How many English food words can you name that derive from Nahuatl, a group of languages spoken by native peoples of Mexico and Central America? You've probably guessed that "tamale" gives you one; it came to us (by way of Mexican Spanish) from the Nahuatl "tamalli," a word for steamed cornmeal dough. Add to the menu "chili" (from "chīlli," identifying all those fiery peppers); "chocolate" (from "chocolātl," first used for a beverage made from chocolate and water); "guacamole" (from āhuacatl, meaning "avocado," plus mōlli, meaning "sauce"); and "tomato" (from "tomatl"). Top it all off with "chipotle" (a smoked and dried pepper), from "chīlli" and "pōctli" (meaning "something smoked").
Examples of tamale in a Sentence
Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 27 Feb. 2026
Each spring, parents feed staff members with enchiladas, tamales and chiles rellenos during Teacher Appreciation Week.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026
Its classic menu features tortilla soup, enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, tamales, and tacos with a traditional profile that connects directly to the region’s culinary history.
—Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Waiters inside carried ferried dishes during lunch rush, including Carlotta’s Chicken Mole and shrimp tamales.
—Chris Kenning, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tamale
Cite this Entry
“Tamale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tamale. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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tamale
noun
