What does taco mean?
A taco is a tortilla combined with one or more fillings and folded or rolled so that the ingredients are held inside. The most familiar version uses a corn tortilla and includes ingredients such as beef, chicken, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, or salsa, but the word also covers soft- or crisp-fried shells and wheat-based tortillas. Tacos are closely associated with Mexican cuisine, although many English-speaking cooks adapt the form to suit local tastes, creating dishes such as fish, cauliflower, or breakfast tacos. The word has a broad, flexible meaning: what matters most is the combination of a tortilla and filling rather than one specific recipe. It is therefore useful when discussing food, menus, recipes, cultural traditions, or the creative possibilities of a highly adaptable staple.
nounA Mexican-inspired dish consisting of a folded or rolled corn tortilla filled with ingredients such as meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, or salsa. The term is also used for similar foods made with wheat tortillas or soft fried shells.
- A folded or rolled tortilla, usually made from corn, containing a filling such as meat, beans, cheese, vegetables, or salsa.
"She served fish tacos with lime, cabbage, and coriander at the picnic."
"We ordered a chicken taco with extra guacamole."
"Taco fillings can range from grilled fish and cabbage to slow-cooked beef and cheese."
The standard plural is formed by adding -s.
"The stall sells tacos with a choice of beans, chicken, or beef."
Although tacos originated in Mexico, the English word describes a much broader family of dishes because the basic formula—a tortilla plus filling—is endlessly adaptable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does taco come from?
The English word is borrowed from Mexican Spanish, where tacos are a well-established form of food. Its precise Spanish-language origin is debated, and it should not confidently be assigned to a particular Indigenous language without further evidence. The food existed in Mexico before its English-language use became widespread, especially in the United States, where taco-based dishes and related Tex-Mex cuisine later became popular.
How taco is actually used
In English, the word is commonly associated with Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. It is also sometimes used more broadly for a tortilla-based sandwich or wrap, especially in British English.