Search Dictionary
Definition of carnitas

carnitas

/kɑːrˈniːtəs/
car · ni · tas
Plural:carnitas
JUMP TO:

carnitas Lexical Profile

carnitas Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A traditional Mexican cuisine dish consisting of pork that is slowly braised or roasted until highly tender, then shredded and lightly crisped.

Example

"We ordered a platter of street tacos loaded with juicy carnitas, fresh cilantro, and diced onions."

Word Nuance & Usage

Although plural in its Spanish origin, 'carnitas' is typically treated as a singular mass noun in English when referring to the dish.

• Rhymes for carnitas

• Nearby Words

carnation
carnie
carnifex
carnitas
carnival
carnivore
carnivorous

Word Origin & Etymology

From Mexican Spanish 'carnitas', literally meaning 'little meats', derived from 'carne' (meat) combined with the diminutive suffix '-ita' and plural '-s'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Carnitas. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/carnitas
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.