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Definition of chihuahua

chihuahua

/tʃɪˈwɑː.wə/
Chi · hua · hua

Plural:chihuahuas
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chihuahua Lexical Profile

chihuahua Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A very small breed of dog, originally from Mexico, characterized by large erect ears, prominent eyes, and either a smooth or long coat.

Example

"She adopted a tiny rescued chihuahua that loved to curl up in her lap."

Photo by Bonnie van den Born / CC BY-SA 3.0

2

North American A large state in northwestern Mexico, sharing a long border with the United States and known for its vast deserts and the Copper Canyon.

Example

"The train ride through the Copper Canyon is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Chihuahua."


3

North American The capital city of the Mexican state of Chihuahua, serving as an important cultural and industrial center in northern Mexico.

Word Nuance & Usage

When referring to the dog breed, the word is often capitalized as 'Chihuahua', though lowercase 'chihuahua' is standard in many dictionaries. When referring to the Mexican state or city, it is always capitalized.

• Rhymes for chihuahua

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where the dog breed was first noted by American travelers in the mid-19th century. The state's name is believed to come from Nahuatl, translating roughly to 'dry, sandy place'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Chihuahua. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 19, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/chihuahua
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