Definition

Noun: 1. A country in South America: A long, narrow nation located along the southwestern coast of South America, bordered by the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Its capital is Santiago. 2. A type of pepper: A variant spelling of "chili," referring to the very hot, pungent fruit of certain pepper plants (Capsicum spp.), often used as a spice.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Country):
  • She traveled to Chile to see the Atacama Desert.
  • The economy of Chile is a major producer of copper.
• Noun (Pepper):
  • The recipe calls for one red chile, finely chopped. (Note: This usage is a variant spelling of "chili.")

Advanced Usage

• "Chile con carne": A Spanish-derived term for a spicy stew of meat, beans, and chili peppers. (Note: This is a compound term using a variant spelling.)
  • He makes excellent chile con carne.

Variants and Related Words

• Chili (noun): The more common English spelling for the hot pepper or the dish "chili con carne."
• Chili pepper (noun): The full term for the hot fruit.
• Chilean (adj): Relating to the country of Chile.
  • Chilean wine is exported worldwide.

Synonyms

• For the country: Republic of Chile.
• For the pepper: Chili, chili pepper, hot pepper, capsicum.

Notes on Usage

• The spelling "chile" for the pepper is common in the southwestern United States and in contexts referencing Spanish or Mexican cuisine. In most general English contexts, "chili" is the standard spelling.
• When referring to the country, "Chile" is always capitalized and is the only correct spelling.

Noun

1. very hot and finely tapering pepper of special pungency
2. a republic in southern South America on the western slopes of the Andes on the south Pacific coast