chili
word
Definition
A chili is a small hot pepper used in cooking to add spicy flavor. In some contexts, especially in American English, it can also refer to a spicy stew called chili or chili con carne.
Usage & Nuances
Usually countable when talking about the pepper: 'a chili', 'two chilies/chilis'. Spelling varies: 'chili', 'chilli', and 'chile' all appear, but meanings can depend on region. In American food contexts, 'chili' often means the stew, while 'chili pepper' is clearer for the vegetable.
Example Sentences
This soup has a lot of chili in it.
basic
She cut one red chili for the sauce.
basic
We ate beef chili with rice.
basic
Be careful with that chili—it's way hotter than it looks.
natural
My dad makes amazing chili when the weather gets cold.
natural
I added some extra chili because I wanted more heat.
natural