variants
or less commonly chile
or chiefly British chilli
plural chilies also chiles or chilis or chiefly British chillies
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
Examples of chili in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This recipe starts with vegetarian chili, and is then complemented by black beans, chickpeas, corn, diced tomatoes, peas, carrots, and chilies.
—
Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024
Baumgartner has capitalized on this association with chili with release of his Seriously Good Chili Cookbook, featuring 177 different recipes.
—Marc Berman, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
In brief: The more chili peppers, the spicier the romance.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
Official tasting notes describe apple, stone fruit, and spice on the nose, followed by notes of smoke, green chili pepper, sweet pecan, bonfire embers, and a soft salinity on the palate.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for chili 
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.
Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024
Baumgartner has capitalized on this association with chili with release of his Seriously Good Chili Cookbook, featuring 177 different recipes.
—Marc Berman, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
In brief: The more chili peppers, the spicier the romance.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
Official tasting notes describe apple, stone fruit, and spice on the nose, followed by notes of smoke, green chili pepper, sweet pecan, bonfire embers, and a soft salinity on the palate.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for chili
Articles Related to chili
Dictionary Entries Near chili
Cite this Entry
“Chili.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chili. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share