Tamale: meaning, definitions and examples

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tamale

 

[ tษ™หˆmษ‘หleษช ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

food preparation

A tamale is a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa (a starchy dough, usually corn-based) that is typically filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheeses, fruits, or vegetables. The masa is wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf and then steamed or boiled. Tamales are often served with salsa or other condiments and can be enjoyed as a meal or snack. They hold cultural significance in many Latin American countries and are commonly prepared for celebrations and gatherings.

Synonyms

cornmeal dumpling, tamal.

Examples of usage

  • We enjoyed homemade tamales at the family gathering.
  • Tamales are a staple dish during Christmas in Mexico.
  • She learned to make tamales from her grandmother.
  • They served spicy tamales with salsa on the side.

Translations

Translations of the word "tamale" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น tamale

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคคเคฎเคฒเฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Tamale

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tamale

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ะฐะผะฐะปะต

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ tamale

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ฟใƒžใƒฌ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท tamale

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tamal

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tamale

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํƒ€๋ง๋ ˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุงู…ุงู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tamale

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ tamale

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็Ž‰็ฑณ้ฅผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ tamale

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ tamale

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะฐะผะฐะปะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒแƒ›แƒแƒšแƒ”

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tamale

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tamal

Etymology

The word 'tamale' is derived from the Nahuatl word 'tamalli', which means 'wrapped'. This term reflects the traditional method of wrapping the masa around its filling before cooking. The practice of making tamales can be traced back to pre-Columbian civilizations in Mesoamerica, where they were an essential part of the diet due to their portability and ease of preparation. Tamales were often utilized by travelers and warriors because they could be made in advance, transported easily, and consumed without utensils. Over centuries, the recipe and techniques for making tamales evolved, influenced by the different regions and cultures within Latin America. Today, tamales vary widely in flavor and ingredients, ranging from sweet to savory, and they continue to be a beloved dish in various Latin American countries and among people of Latin descent in the United States.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,143, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.