What does masa mean?
Masa is a smooth, workable dough made from finely ground maize that serves as the foundation of many Latin American foods. It is most often used to make tortillas, tamales, pupusas, and similar preparations. The term is common in American English, especially in discussions of Mexican and Central American cuisine, while the related ingredient masa harina is a dry flour made specifically for preparing masa. Masa is valued for its characteristic aroma, fine texture, and ability to become pliable when mixed with warm water. Although "dough" is a broader synonym, masa identifies a more specific ingredient with a strong association with maize-based cooking. The word is generally uncountable for the prepared substance, although "masas" can refer to individual portions. Understanding masa is useful for anyone preparing traditional Latin American dishes or interpreting recipes that distinguish this maize dough from wheat-based doughs.
nounA soft, smooth dough made from finely ground maize, used to make tortillas, tamales, and similar foods. In some regional usages, the word also refers more broadly to dough or pastry dough.
- A dough made from ground maize, commonly used for tortillas, tamales, and other Latin American foods.
- In some culinary contexts, a dough or pastry dough made from maize or another grain.
"She pressed the warm masa into a thin tortilla and filled it with black beans."
"He spread the masa across the comal, turning it as soon as the edges began to dry."
"The recipe calls for two cups of masa harina to make the tamale wrappers."
Usually unnecessary when referring to prepared masa as a substance; used for separate portions or pieces.
"The server brought three warm masas wrapped in cloth."
Masa is the edible foundation of many Latin American favorites: a simple maize dough transformed into tortillas, tamales, and countless regional specialties.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does masa come from?
The English culinary word comes from Spanish, where masa means "dough" or "mass." Spanish masa derives from Latin massa, a word also associated with doughy matter and, through related forms, the English words mass and massive. The culinary sense was established in American English through the influence of Mexican and other Latin American cooking.
Related word forms
How masa is actually used
Masa is primarily a culinary term in American English. It is usually uncountable when referring to the prepared dough, though "masas" can refer to separate portions or pieces. In Filipino cooking, the related term "masa" is also used for rice-based dough.
Easily confused with masa
Masa refers to maize dough used in Latin American and Filipino cooking, whereas massa is an Italian word for dough or pastry dough.
Masa is a firm or pliable maize dough, while mousse is an airy, often sweetened dessert preparation.