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Chihuahua

American  
[chi-wah-wah, -wuh] / tʃɪˈwɑ wɑ, -wə /

noun

Chihuahuas plural
  1. a state in N Mexico. 94,831 sq. mi. (245,610 sq. km).

  2. the capital of this state.

  3. one of a Mexican or Aztec breed of very small dogs having either short or long hair of any one of a variety of colors.


Chihuahua British  
/ -wə, tʃɪˈwɑːwɑː /

noun

  1. a state of N Mexico: mostly high plateau; important mineral resources, with many silver mines. Capital: Chihuahua. Pop: 728 000 (2005 est). Area: 247 087 sq km (153 194 sq miles)

  2. a city in N Mexico, capital of Chihuahua state. Pop: 650 000 (2000 est)

  3. a breed of tiny dog originally from Mexico, having short smooth hair, large erect ears, and protruding eyes

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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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.

See Examples For:

A similar incident in Chihuahua City after Mexico’s win over South Korea also resulted in injuries.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 3, 2026

The agents, who died in a car accident in the border state of Chihuahua, had not received permission from Sheinbaum's government to operate on Mexican territory.

From Barron's Apr. 30, 2026

That alone would make notable last weekend’s reported death of two Central Intelligence Agency officers in the Mexican state of Chihuahua.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 24, 2026

The operation brought together the CIA officers and state authorities in Chihuahua, and that collaboration was a source of consternation for Mexican federal officials.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 22, 2026

A gentleman in baggy pants, an oversized jacket, and headphones swaggered by holding a rhinestone-studded leash attached to a pocket-sized Chihuahua.

From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser

Chihuahuas, rat terriers and miniature poodles are muscling in on strength contests long dominated by big dogs.

From The Wall Street Journal Nov. 20, 2025

Chihuahuas were bred for Mexico’s warm climate and, thus, might appreciate a sweater or a cuddle when it’s chilly outside.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 22, 2025

Chihuahuas are most popular in the South, the survey found — the breed is a favorite in every Southern state except Florida, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.

From Seattle Times Jan. 29, 2024

He managed to snatch a shoebox of greeting cards and his two Chihuahuas, before climbing out his bedroom window.

From New York Times Jan. 23, 2024

Chihuahuas are the only non-large breed that I calculated with a high adoption wait.

From "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty

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