carnitas

American  

[kahr-nee-tuhz, kahr-nee-tahs] / kɑrˈni təz, kɑrˈni tɑs /

plural noun

Mexican Cooking.

1. small or shredded pieces of crisp roast pork, eaten as a snack, used as a filling for burritos, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of carnitas

< Mexican Spanish, plural of carnita, equivalent to Spanish carn ( e ) meat (< Latin carnem, accusative of carō flesh, meat) + -ita diminutive suffix

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

carnitas

Taquería El Cabrito — The best carnitas tacos in the area, in my opinion, can be found at Taquería El Cabrito on Milwaukee’s South Side.

From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026

Standouts include the carnitas tacos and tamarind agua fresca at El Taco Torro, creative pies at Pizza Luna, house-smoked barbecue from Rollin Nolen’s BBQ, and Indian and Nepalese street food from Momo Dosa.

From Salon ● Jun. 11, 2026

Tons of just carne asada, carnitas and al pastor, steaks, burgers and lots of cheese.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 11, 2025

Gutiérrez remembers going out to get carnitas with future L.A.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2024

“This is good for digestion and high cholesterol. After eating those carnitas tonight, we all need it.”

From "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez

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