variant spelling of chili
1
a
or chili pepper
: a hot pepper of any of a group of cultivars (Capsicum annuum annuum group longum) noted for their pungency
b
chiefly British chilli
: a pepper whether hot or sweet
2
a
: a thick sauce of meat and chilies
liked to cover her spaghetti with red chili
b
: chili con carne
a bowl of chili
also
: a similar dish made without beef
vegetarian chili
seafood chili
chile
2 of 2pronunciation spelling
—used for "child" chiefly in spoken African American English especially of the southern U.S. and in written representations of such speech
… sources close to the situation have said that the "Love on the Brain" singer is remaining in Barbados while awaiting the birth of her first chile, as Newsweek also notes.—
Shanelle Genai
—often used as an affectionate or friendly way of addressing someoneShanelle Genai"Chile, no one looks great this early in the morning," [Debbie] Allen [actress] replied with a chuckle, thanking her. …—Tonja Renée Stidhum
Tonja Renée StidhumThe couple shared the amazing news on Instagram, and chile … that ring is everything! …—Jasmine Grant
Jasmine Grant[Nikole] Hannah-Jones [investigative journalist] decided the best response would be to quote King accurately by reading excerpts of his speeches without mentioning explicitly that they were his words. "And, whew, chile, it was AMAZING," she said.—David Moye
David MoyeExamples of chile in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Alex Apatoff, People.com, 5 June 2025
Drizzle with copious honey or, as Brenner points out in this recipe, lend it an even more savory edge with oregano, olive oil and chile flakes.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
Stir in corn, bell pepper, green chiles, cilantro, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin until combined.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 31 May 2025
Add cayenne and serrano chile (if using), and toss.
—The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for chile
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Noun
Who Likes a Little Kick to It Ranging from mild to spicy, the six-bottle set features single-origin chiles and spices—like red jalapeño and hot paprika—sourced from small farms around the world.
—Alex Apatoff, People.com, 5 June 2025
Drizzle with copious honey or, as Brenner points out in this recipe, lend it an even more savory edge with oregano, olive oil and chile flakes.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
Stir in corn, bell pepper, green chiles, cilantro, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin until combined.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 31 May 2025
Add cayenne and serrano chile (if using), and toss.
—The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for chile
Cite this Entry
“Chile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chile. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationGeographical Definition
Chile
geographical name
Chi·le
ˈchi-lē 
ˈchē-(ˌ)lā
long, narrow country of southwestern South America between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific; a republic whose capital is Santiago and whose legislative capital is Valparaíso area 291,933 square miles (756,102 square kilometers), population 17,925,000
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