atole
|a-to-le|
🇺🇸
/əˈtoʊleɪ/
🇬🇧
/əˈtəʊleɪ/
hot corn-based drink
Etymology
'atole' originates from Nahuatl, specifically the word 'ātōlli', where 'ātl' meant 'water' and 'ātōlli' referred to a drink or gruel made from maize.
'ātōlli' was borrowed into Spanish as 'atole' and then entered English from Spanish without significant change in form.
Initially it referred to the traditional maize-based hot drink in Nahuatl and Spanish, and this basic meaning has been retained in modern usage as the name of that beverage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a traditional hot Mexican and Central American beverage made from masa (corn dough) or corn flour mixed with water or milk and often flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, or chocolate.
She warmed a cup of atole for breakfast on the chilly morning.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/12 15:58