Chili

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈtʃɪl.iː/

Alternative forms

• chile US
• chilli UK

Origin

A variant of chilli; from Nahuatl chilli, via Spanish.

Full definition of chili

Noun

1. The pungent/spicy fresh or dried fruit of any of several cultivated varieties of capsicum peppers, used especially to add heat, or as a flavouring in cooking; associated with Mexican, Indian, and Tex-Mex cuisine.''The farmers’ market had a wide variety of chilis from anchos to jalapeños to habaneros.
2. A dish made with this fruit and other ingredients, such as beans and beef; chili con carne.I fancy having some chili for dinner tonight. What about you?
3. (uncountable) Powdered chili peppers, used as a spice or flavouring in cooking.I want to make this pasta spicy so I’m going to add some chili to it.

Synonyms

• (pepper) chili pepper
• (dish) chili con carne

Derived terms

• chili con carne
• chili con queso, chili cheese
• chili dog
• chili sauce
• chili pepper