burrito

American  

[buh-ree-toh, boor-ree-taw] / bəˈri toʊ, burˈri tɔ /

noun

Mexican Cooking.

burritos plural

1. a tortilla folded over a filling, as of ground beef, grated cheese, or refried beans.

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burrito British  

/ bəˈriːtəʊ /

noun

1. Mexican cookery a tortilla folded over a filling of minced beef, chicken, cheese, or beans

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Etymology

Origin of burrito

First recorded in 1940–45; from Mexican Spanish (Guerrero): “stuffed taco,” Spanish: “young donkey, foal,” equivalent to burr(o) “donkey” + -ito diminutive suffix; see origin at burro

Compare meaning

How does burrito compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• enchilada vs. burrito
• burrito vs. chimichanga
• taco vs. burrito
• burro vs. burrito

Explanation

A burrito is a delicious Mexican dish made of foods like beans, cheese, or other fillings rolled up in a soft tortilla. Eat a big burrito for lunch, and you may still be full at dinnertime. In Spanish, burrito means "little donkey" or "little burro," a name that may have been inspired by the rolled packs that working burros carry on their backs. Burritos are common in northern parts of Mexico and areas of the U.S. that border that country. Over the years, the burrito's popularity has spread widely, along with other Mexican dishes such as nachos and tacos. Authentic Mexican burritos tend to be smaller and have fewer ingredients than their U.S. counterparts.

Example Sentences

This year Taco Bell and Matthews are on track to release around two dozen new menu items like a Flamin’ Hot Grilled Cheese Burrito and Cheesy Street Chalupas, double last year’s total.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 22, 2025

Now, fans are still campaigning for the Seven-Layer Burrito, gone since 2020.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2025

This included a Cheesy Gordita Crunch, a Grilled Cheese Burrito, a chicken quesadilla, three soft tacos, five sauce packets, and a Diet Coke.

From Slate • Dec. 28, 2024

At Super Burrito, sour cream, poblano peppers and avocados were it, and cost extra.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2024

"A chicken burrito and a steak burrito from Burrito Palace," he answers.

From "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" by John Green and David Levithan