birria
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of birria
First recorded in 1950–55; from Mexican Spanish, from Spanish: “garbage, trash, worthless person or thing,” from Vulgar Latin verrea (unrecorded) “despicable thing, stubbornness,” from Latin verrēs “boar”
Explanation
Imagine a rich, flavorful stew that warms your soul — that's birria, a traditional Mexican dish often made with goat or beef, and simmered to delicious perfection. Birria (pronounced BEE-ree-ah) is a savory Mexican stew that originated in the the state of Jalisco. While it is traditionally made with goat meat, it can also be prepared with beef, lamb, or pork. The meat is marinated in a mix of chiles, spices, and herbs, then slow-cooked until tender. Birria is a popular dish that is often served with tortillas and garnished with onions, cilantro, and lime.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Many chefs have even created their own versions, replacing the original’s rethermalized ground beef and nacho cheese sauce with fussed-over ingredients like pernil, bulgogi, birria and scratchmade salsas or sauces.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026
Frank barbecued ribs in the yard, his mom served birria with rice and beans, and some 50 friends and classmates showed up.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 20, 2026
House-made corn tortillas, and your choice of lamb, goat, or beef birria, served traditionally or as grilled cheesy tacos with a dipping consommé.
From Salon ● Mar. 31, 2026
Regulars come for the al pastor and birria, but I brake for the goat tacos and other menu items you don’t often see around the Puget Sound area.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 28, 2024
When I need to get out of a deep emotional funk, I’ll usually order birria tacos and put on my favorite movie of the last two decades: Pixar’s “Ratatouille.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 18, 2024
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