taco

noun

ta·​co ˈtä-(ˌ)kō How to pronounce taco (audio)
plural tacos ˈtä-(ˌ)kōz How to pronounce taco (audio)
: a crispy or soft corn or wheat tortilla that is folded or rolled and stuffed with a mixture (as of seasoned meat, cheese, and lettuce)

Examples of taco 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.
The chain was known for its street tacos, nachos and more Tex-Mex classics, as well as its affordable meal deals. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 Use ingredient cards to build the craziest taco or burrito and beat your opponent. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026 Jose Oliver, owner of Cantina Taco Grill, said his restaurant specializes in serving tacos with more upscale ingredients like New York strip and ribeye steak. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 By the third bite, your brain moves beyond the recognition and the post-irony and begins to pick up on the taco’s layered details. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for taco

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of taco was in 1901

Rhymes for taco

See All Rhymes for taco

Browse Nearby Words

Tacna
taco
Tacoma
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Taco.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taco. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

taco

noun
ta·​co ˈtäk-ō How to pronounce taco (audio)
plural tacos -ōz How to pronounce taco (audio)
: a usually fried tortilla that is folded or rolled and stuffed with a mixture (as of seasoned meat, cheese, and lettuce)
Etymology

from the Spanish spoken in Mexico taco "taco"

More from Merriam-Webster on taco

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about taco

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