chili
or chil·e, chil·li
[chil-ee]
- Also called chili pepper. the pungent pod of any of several species of Capsicum, especially C. annuum longum: used in cooking for its pungent flavor.
- chili con carne.
- a meatless version of chili con carne.
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Origin of chili
1655–65; < Mexican Spanish chile < Nahuatl chīlli chili pepper
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for chili
Contemporary Examples
Add olive oil to the pan and toss in the garlic and chili flake.
Chili peppers were everywhere, drying on mats, on roofs, and in fields.
And now Chili's and other eateries are considering taking similar action.
Within days, grilled lamb skewers spiced with cumin and chili were back on the street.
Atop the chili goes a spill of crisp chopped raw onions, and atop the onions you want a sprinkle of celery salt.
Historical Examples
In Chili, the extra session of Congress convened on the 16th of December.
In Chili it is hunted with dogs, or, driven up a tree, is easily shot.
The Western WorldW.H.G. Kingston
I hope to be able to connect his geology of that country with mine of Chili.
More Letters of Charles DarwinCharles Darwin
This term is frequently used on the coasts of Chili and Peru.
The Sailor's Word-BookWilliam Henry Smyth
Also, a term for a headland or promontory on the coasts of Chili and Peru.
The Sailor's Word-BookWilliam Henry Smyth
Word Origin and History for chili
n.
also chilli, 1660s, from Nahuatl chilli, native name for the peppers. Not named for the South American country. As short for chile con carne and similar dishes, attested by 1846.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper