burrito
A Mexican or Tex-Mex dish consisting of a large flour tortilla wrapped into a cylindrical shape to contain various fillings. Common ingredients include seasoned meat, beans, rice, cheese, and vegetables, often served with condiments like salsa or guacamole.
Examples
3 of 5I usually grab a bean and cheese burrito for a quick lunch on my break.
I typically buy a tortilla filled with beans and cheese for a fast midday meal.
The establishment's signature dish is a gourmet burrito prepared with organic, braised beef.
The restaurant's main specialty is a high-quality tortilla wrap made with organic meat.
I'm so hungry I could eat a burrito the size of my head.
I am very hungry and want to eat a very large stuffed tortilla.
Word Family
Memory Tip
In Spanish, 'burro' means donkey and '-ito' means little; think of a 'little donkey' carrying a heavy pack of delicious ingredients on its back.
Quick Quiz
He decided to order a spicy chicken _____ with extra sour cream.
Correct!
The correct answer is: burrito
Examples
I usually grab a bean and cheese burrito for a quick lunch on my break.
everydayI typically buy a tortilla filled with beans and cheese for a fast midday meal.
The establishment's signature dish is a gourmet burrito prepared with organic, braised beef.
formalThe restaurant's main specialty is a high-quality tortilla wrap made with organic meat.
I'm so hungry I could eat a burrito the size of my head.
informalI am very hungry and want to eat a very large stuffed tortilla.
The sociological impact of the burrito's popularity reflects the fusion of Mexican and American cultures.
academicThe widespread popularity of this food item shows how two different cultures have blended.
Our catering menu for the conference includes a variety of mini-burrito options for the guests.
businessThe food list for the professional meeting offers small stuffed tortillas for the attendees.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
burrito joint
An informal or cheap restaurant that specializes in burritos.
the whole burrito
Slang for the entire thing or the complete package (similar to 'the whole enchilada').
loaded burrito
A burrito that contains a very large number of ingredients or toppings.
Often Confused With
Tacos are smaller, usually use corn tortillas, and are folded in half, whereas burritos are larger flour tortillas rolled closed.
Enchiladas are typically covered in savory sauce and eaten with a fork, while burritos are often held in the hand.
Usage Notes
The term is used both for the traditional Mexican food and the heavily modified American 'Mission-style' burritos which are much larger. It is almost always a countable noun.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes misspell the word with a single 'r' (burito) or confuse it with a taco, which is a distinct food item.
Memory Tip
In Spanish, 'burro' means donkey and '-ito' means little; think of a 'little donkey' carrying a heavy pack of delicious ingredients on its back.
Word Origin
From Spanish 'burrito', the diminutive of 'burro' (donkey), possibly because the folded ends of the tortilla resemble a donkey's ears.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The burrito is a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine and is a significant cultural icon of Mexican-American culinary fusion, especially in California and Texas.
Quick Quiz
He decided to order a spicy chicken _____ with extra sour cream.
Correct!
The correct answer is: burrito
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