Search Dictionary
Definition of habanero

habanero

/ˌhɑːbəˈnɛroʊ/
ha · ba · ne · ro
Plural:habaneros
JUMP TO:

habanero Lexical Profile

habanero Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small, lantern-shaped variety of chili pepper (Capsicum chinense) known for its intense heat, widely used in Mexican, Caribbean, and Central American cuisines.

Example

"She added a finely diced habanero to the mango salsa to give it a fiery, fruity kick."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for habanero

Word Nuance & Usage

English speakers frequently misspell and mispronounce the word with a tilde (as 'habañero') due to hypercorrection and confusion with 'jalapeño', but the correct spelling in both Spanish and English lacks the tilde.

• Rhymes for habanero

• Nearby Words

gyrfalcon
gyro
gyroscope
habanero
habenaria
habu
hackberry

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into English in the mid-20th century from Spanish 'habanero', meaning 'from Havana' (the capital of Cuba). Despite the name, the pepper originated in the Amazon basin; Havana was simply a major historical trading hub for it.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Habanero. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/habanero
Wordmom is your complete guide to the English language. Whether you're looking up a definition, searching for the perfect synonym, or unscrambling letters for a word game, our comprehensive suite of tools is designed to help you find the right word, every time.
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®, Words With Friends®, Wordle®, and related game titles or tournament codes are registered trademarks of their respective owners (including Hasbro, Mattel, Zynga, The New York Times, NASPA, and WESPA). Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes, not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by these entities. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use for compatibility.