Definition & Meaning of "taco"

What is "taco"?

The taco is a traditional Mexican food consisting of a small hand-sized corn- or wheat-based tortilla topped with a filling, such as beef, pork, chicken, seafood, beans, vegetables, and cheese, and garnished with various condiments, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, and vegetables, such as lettuce, onion, tomatoes, and chiles. It is believed to have originated from the Aztecs, who made flat bread out of corn and called it tlaxcalli, which was then stuffed with various concoctions of food. Tacos are a common form of antojitos, or Mexican street food, which have spread around the world. They can be made with a variety of fillings, allowing for great versatility and variety.