burrito

American  

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

noun

Mexican Cooking.

plural

burritos

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; 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

The chain’s street corn-and-double-chicken burrito bowls and queso crunch double-chicken burrito bowls, which were introduced in late September, were “instrumental” in driving fourth-quarter results, the company said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

Your burrito would still cook in the microwave at exactly the same rate.

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 2026

“Little Chicago,” he said, sitting in his Newport Beach, Calif., office, working through a Taco Bell bean burrito.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

Picture a burrito bowl layered in reds and greens: cabbage slaw, sweet corn, charred bell peppers, red onion, shredded lettuce, jalapeños.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

When he came back he handed me a big bag with a bean and cheese burrito, two chicken tacos and an empanada.

From "We Were Here" by Matt De La Peña