chicle
/ˈt͡ʃikle/
The Spanish word for gumball is chicle.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to multiple pieces of gum or multiple gumballs, use the plural form chicles.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃikle/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, the word chicle is used as a slang adjective to describe someone who is overly clingy or persists annoyingly.
- The word chicle has its roots in the indigenous Nahuatl word tzictli, which referred to the natural latex used to make the gum.
- The natural resin used to make chicle was so valuable in the 19th century that it was a major export for Mexico and Central America.
Examples in context
- ¿Tienes un chicle? Sí, aquí tienes una bolita de chicle.Do you have a gum? Yes, here's a gumball.
- Me gusta mucho el sabor de este chicle.I really like the flavor of this gumball.
- ¿Quieres un chicle de la máquina?Do you want a gumball from the machine?
- Tengo un chicle en mi bolsillo.I have a gumball in my pocket.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are walking past a candy shop.
- María¿Viste la máquina de chicle allá?Did you see the gumball machine over there?
- AlejandroSí, parece muy divertida.Yes, it looks very fun.
- MaríaCompraré un chicle para ti.I will buy a gumball for you.
- AlejandroMuchas gracias, María.Thank you very much, María.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chicle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chicle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
