chorizo

noun

cho·​ri·​zo chə-ˈrē-(ˌ)zō How to pronounce chorizo (audio)
-(ˌ)sō
plural chorizos
: a seasoned, coarsely ground, pork sausage
a
: a spicy or sweet ground pork sausage that is seasoned especially with smoked paprika, is used chiefly in Spanish cooking, and is typically sold dried and cured in casings
b
: a spicy ground pork sausage that is seasoned with chili powder and other spices (such as cumin or garlic), is used chiefly in Mexican cooking, and is typically sold uncooked either loose or in casings

Examples of chorizo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Toss chorizo, butternut squash, and spices into one pan for a sweet and savory meal in 30 minutes. — Jasmine Thompson, Midwest Living, 28 Aug. 2026 If there is a lot of grease in the skillet after cooking the chorizo, drain all but about two tablespoons before adding the tomato paste and seasoning. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026 At the meat counter, people can browse an assortment of cuts, from beef honeycomb tripe to pork neck bones, marinated chicken legs, chorizo, scallops, shrimp, whole snapper, salmon steaks and catfish fillets. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026 On the table was a bowl of fabada, a rib-sticking stew of buttery white beans, chorizo, blood sausage, and pork belly. — Simon Willis, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chorizo

Word History

Etymology

Spanish

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chorizo was in 1802

Rhymes for chorizo

See All Rhymes for chorizo

Browse Nearby Words

chorister
chorizo
C horizon
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chorizo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chorizo. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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