chipotle
/t͡ʃiˈpotle/masculine
The English word chipotle is chipotle in Spanish.
A chipotle refers to a ripe jalapeño pepper that has been dried and smoked for use in cooking.
Meaning: a ripe jalapeño pepper, dried and smoked for use in cooking (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is derived from the Nahuatl word chilpotli, which literally means smoked chili.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃiˈpotle/
Did you know?
- In Mexican culinary tradition, the smokiness of a chipotle is often balanced with the sweetness of chocolate in complex sauces like mole.
- In many Mexican markets, you will find chipotles sold adobado, meaning they have been canned or jarred in a rich sauce of vinegar and spices.
- The word chipotle originates from the Classical Nahuatl words chīlli meaning 'pepper' and pōctli meaning 'smoke'.
Examples in context
- El chipotle le da mucho sabor al guiso.The chipotle gives a lot of flavor to the stew.
- Necesito comprar un chipotle para la salsa.I need to buy a chipotle for the sauce.
- Añade un poco de chipotle al caldo.Add a little bit of chipotle to the broth.
Example conversation
At a grocery store while shopping for ingredients.
- María¿Dónde está el chipotle para la receta?Where is the chipotle for the recipe?
- JavierEstá en el pasillo de las especias, María.It is in the spice aisle, María.
- MaríaGracias, Javier. ¿Quieres que compre uno?Thanks, Javier. Do you want me to buy one?
- JavierSí, por favor, que sea uno bueno.Yes, please, make sure it is a good one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chipotle” translations and entries chipotle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chipotle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
