English · Word Candidate

chili

/ˈt͡ʃɪli/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: chilis · chilies

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The pungent, spicy fresh or dried fruit of any of several cultivated varieties of capsicum peppers, used in cooking.

NounRegister: US

Examples

Capsicum—the dried ripe fruit of Capsicum fastigiatum—is also known as Chilly pepper, Chillies, Guinea, or pod pepper, and is chiefly brought from Zanzibar. The several varieties differ in shape and size, are of a red colour, and filled with numerous red-brown, pungent seeds.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Powdered chili pepper, used as a spice or flavouring in cooking.

NounRegister: US

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A dish made with chili peppers and other ingredients, such as beans and beef.

NounRegister: US

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Cincinnati chili.

NounRegister: US

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “chili” mean?

The pungent, spicy fresh or dried fruit of any of several cultivated varieties of capsicum peppers, used in cooking.

Is “chili” formal or informal?

chili is generally US.