tomatillo

noun

to·​ma·​til·​lo ˌtō-mə-ˈtē-(ˌ)yō  -ˈtēl-(ˌ)yō 

plural tomatillos

: the small round yellow, purplish, and especially pale green edible sticky fruit of a Mexican ground-cherry (Physalis philadelphica synonym P. ixocarpa)

also : the plant that bears tomatillos

Examples of tomatillo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Roasted Tomatillo Guacamole This fresh-tasting guac is made with roasted tomatillos and grated queso añejo. — Jasmine Thompson, Midwest Living, 20 Aug. 2026

In the produce section, there’s a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including Hawaiian purple yams, kabocha squash, yuca root, papayas, jackfruit, tomatillos, poblano peppers, Indian eggplants and big tubs full of melons. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026

In the white pickup sat buckets of tomatillos, crates of green bell peppers, and enormous watermelons. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026

When the grill is hot, add the corn, poblano and the tomatillos. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 7 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, diminutive of tomate

First Known Use

circa 1913, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tomatillo

• clio
• meo
• yeo