ancho

American  

[ahn-choh, an-] / ˈɑn tʃoʊ, ˈæn- /

noun

anchos plural

1. a dried poblano pepper, used whole or ground into a spice, especially in Mexican cooking.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• anchos
  plural

Etymology

Origin of ancho

First recorded in 1915–20; from Mexican Spanish chile ancho “wide chile,” from Latin amplus “full, wide”; see chili ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ancho anchos

He honed his craft during the pandemic, developing flavors like red mole topped with sesame, and a Mexican everything spice blend that includes garlic, onion, toasted cumin and ancho chile with a hint of lime.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 9, 2026

The store supplied the guajillo and ancho chiles Garcia’s mother uses to make her salsa.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 27, 2024

This dish aims to be Spanish chicken in salsa brava, but the addition of ancho chilies, traditionally used in Mexican cooking, lends a bit more heat.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 3, 2023

Ground cumin and ancho chili powder add a savory depth to the salad and the spice rub.

From Washington Times ● Jun. 9, 2023

He says, “Suelen de costumbre sembrar para cada casado con su muger medida de cccc piés que llaman hun-uinic, medida con vara de XX pies, XX en ancho y XX en largo.”

From The Maya Chronicles Brinton's Library Of Aboriginal American Literature, Number 1 by Brinton, Daniel Garrison

I tested it both ways, stuffing poblanos with refried beans and mozzarella, and anchos with beans and goat cheese.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 17, 2019

It’s easier because you don’t have to roast and peel the anchos; you just soak them until they’re soft.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 17, 2019

“The anchos are far too small, the guajillos are far too big, and they don’t taste like they do in Mexico,” she says, slapping one of the specimens onto the counter.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2015