tortilla

American  

[tawr-tee-uh, tawr-tee-yah] / tɔrˈti ə, tɔrˈti yɑ /

noun

Mexican Cooking.

plural

tortillas

1. a thin, round, unleavened bread prepared from cornmeal or sometimes wheat flour, baked on a flat plate of iron, earthenware, or the like.

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tortilla British  

/ tɔːˈtiːə /

noun

1. Mexican cookery a kind of thin pancake made from corn meal and cooked on a hot griddle until dry

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Etymology

Origin of tortilla

1690–1700; < Spanish, equivalent to tort ( a ) cake ( see torte) + -illa diminutive suffix < Latin -ella

Explanation

A tortilla is a Central American and Mexican type of flatbread. A burrito is a mix of delicious fillings — like seasoned rice, chicken, beans, guacamole, and salsa — wrapped in a warm tortilla. Yum! Traditional tortillas are sort of like very flat pancakes made from cornmeal. Tortillas made of wheat flour are a newer variation. Corn tortillas have been a staple food in North and Central America for hundreds of years, long before Europeans began settling in the area. In Spanish, tortilla means "a tart" or "a little cake," from the Late Latin torta, or "flat cake."

Example Sentences

But to taste how Cho prefers them, begin by laying chicken into the warm tortilla.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Authorities say the fire started in the carport after Hales, 46, failed to turn off a propane tank to a stove she was using to make tortilla chips and left it on overnight.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

An elephant's trunk can surpass a human's height and lift trees -- a marvel of strength that's conversely so gentle it can grasp a tortilla chip without breaking it.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

Made from a blend of artichokes, spinach, herbs, spices and Swiss and Parmesan cheeses, the dip is best served alongside tortilla chips or toasted slices of fresh baguette.

From Salon • Jan. 28, 2026

Billy Ray ate a few raisins, a tortilla, nothing else.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols