enchilada

[ en-chuh-lah-duh, -lad-uh ]

noun

, Mexican Cooking.

1. a tortilla rolled and filled with a seasoned mixture, usually containing meat, and covered with a sauce flavored with chiles.

enchilada

/ ˌɛntʃɪˈlɑːdə /

noun

1. a Mexican dish consisting of a tortilla fried in hot fat, filled with meat, and served with a chilli sauce

Word History and Origins

Origin of enchilada¹

First recorded in 1885–90; from Central American Spanish, feminine of Spanish enchilado “spiced with chile” (past participle of enchilar ), equivalent to en- causative prefix + chil(e) “chile pepper” + -ado adjective suffix; en- ¹, chili, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of enchilada¹

C19: American Spanish, feminine of enchilado seasoned with chilli, from enchilar to spice with chilli, from chile chilli

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. big / top enchilada, Slang. big enchilada ( def ).
2. whole enchilada, Slang. the entirety of something, especially something impressive or outstanding:

   She has a job with money, prestige, and satisfaction—the whole enchilada.

More idioms and phrases containing enchilada

see big cheese (enchilada) ; whole ball of wax (enchilada) .

Example Sentences

When reheated, leftover pernil can be dry, so serve it with a fruit compote on top, such as fig, or repurpose it in dishes such as tacos, stuffed peppers or enchiladas.

From Washington Post

Only later, when I was enjoying vegan enchiladas and a smoothie purchased at a thrumming downtown restaurant, did I turn back to my fascination with Aspen and its extensive cycling.

From Washington Post

McIngvale has also paid food vendors to bring in tacos, enchiladas, hamburgers, hot dogs and breakfast burritos.

From Washington Post

When we came back inside, the leftovers—green chile enchiladas and beans—were on the stovetop, and my son had eaten some.

From Time

“It tasted like a crow enchilada,” Morrissey said, as he literally ate his words.

From The Daily Beast

This is the big enchilada, and the culmination of the alleged death spiral.

From The Daily Beast

And when you win those two states in the Republican primaries, you're likely to win the whole red enchilada.

From The Daily Beast