chile
Definition
A spicy pod of the Capsicum genus, particularly varieties like jalapeño or ancho, used as a culinary spice and flavoring, especially in Southwestern US and Mexican cuisine.
The plant (Capsicum annuum or related species) that produces these hot-tasting pods.
A variant spelling of 'chili,' emphasizing regional American English usage, particularly in New Mexico where it's a cultural staple.
Examples
My first bite of authentic Hatch chile turned my taste buds into a salsa-dancing fiesta.
He bragged about his spice tolerance until that rogue chile verde burrito humbled him in seconds.
In her kitchen experiments, a dash of ground chile transforms yesterday's leftovers into tomorrow's legend.
Forget diamonds—true love is sharing a bowl of red chile stew on a chilly autumn night.