pinto
Americanadjective
noun
Etymology
Origin of pinto
An Americanism dating back to 1855–60; from Spanish, from Vulgar Latin pinctus (unattested) “painted”; pinta
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.
As a child in Northern California, he grew up eating tostadas with refried pinto beans.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026
The California coast was once home to the greatest number of abalone species in the world — black, white, red, green, pink, flat and pinto.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2025
Steven Ness, who grows pinto beans and pumpkins in central New Mexico, said the rising cost of irrigation as groundwater dwindles is an issue across the board for farmers in the region.
From Washington Times • Oct. 29, 2023
The full menu features chips with either salsa or queso, wings or fried Brussels sprouts, four enchiladas, rice and pinto beans — available at dinner only.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 22, 2023
“My mama sent pinto beans,” she announced, placing it on the table.
From "Stella by Starlight" by Sharon M. Draper
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.