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tomatillo

noun

to·​ma·​til·​lo ˌtō-mə-ˈtē-(ˌ)yō How to pronounce tomatillo (audio) -ˈtēl-(ˌ)yō How to pronounce tomatillo (audio)
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
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.
Peel and wash tomatillos and cut out cores of both tomatoes and tomatillos. Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Nov. 2025 This recipe calls for fresh tomatillos, which look like small green tomatoes wrapped in thin papery skin. Patricia S York, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025 Plus, tacos come with a packet of avocado verde salsa, which is made of tomatillos, green chili peppers and avocado. Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025 This hearty green chili gets a warming kick from jalapeno and poblano peppers and tangy tomatillos. Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tomatillo

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, diminutive of tomate

First Known Use

circa 1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tomatillo was circa 1913

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Cite this Entry

“Tomatillo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tomatillo. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

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