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molinillo means grinder — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 26, 2026

😆 Funny Words

molinillo

noun • /[mo-li-NEE-yo]/

grinder

Example:

Usó el molinillo para el café.

He used the grinder for coffee.

🧠 What does molinillo mean?

A molinillo is a small manual device used for grinding or crushing, typically spices, herbs, or coffee beans. It functions by rotating a mechanism that grinds the contents placed inside. While it shares the root 'moler' (to grind) with larger mills, 'molinillo' often refers to a more compact or artisanal version. The word itself has a playful, diminutive quality due to the '-illo' suffix, contributing to its 'Funny Words' categorization, as it sounds somewhat whimsical.

📚 Extra examples

  • Necesito un molinillo pequeño para moler las semillas de cilantro frescas.
    I need a small grinder to grind the fresh cilantro seeds.
  • En la cocina tradicional, se usaba un molinillo de madera para las especias.
    In traditional cooking, a wooden grinder was used for spices.
  • Este molinillo es perfecto para hacer pimienta recién molida.
    This grinder is perfect for making freshly ground pepper.

💡 Did You Know?

The suffix '-illo' in Spanish is a diminutive, often used to make words sound smaller or more endearing. This gives 'molinillo' a charming, less imposing feel compared to a generic 'molino' (mill). Interestingly, a traditional Mexican 'molinillo' is a carved wooden whisk used to froth hot chocolate, a distinct but related use of the word.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "molinillo"

Synonyms: moledora, trituradora

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'grinder' in Spanish?
The word 'molinillo' can translate to 'grinder', especially for smaller, manual grinding devices.
How do you pronounce 'molinillo' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is moh-lee-NEE-yoh. The double 'l' in Spanish often makes a 'y' sound, and the stress is on the third syllable.
How do you use 'molinillo' in a sentence?
A 'molinillo' is used for grinding. For example, 'Usa el molinillo para triturar las especias' (Use the grinder to crush the spices).
What is the English translation of 'molinillo'?
The primary English translation of 'molinillo' is 'grinder'.
Does 'molinillo' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'molinillo' is a masculine noun. It changes for number: 'molinillo' (singular) and 'molinillos' (plural).
Is 'molinillo' common in everyday Spanish?
While the concept of grinding is common, the specific word 'molinillo' might be used more in contexts referring to smaller, manual grinders for spices or herbs, rather than large industrial machines.
Does 'molinillo' have slang or double meanings?
The word 'molinillo' itself does not have common slang or double meanings. Its primary use relates to grinding devices.
Is 'molinillo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The use of 'molinillo' is generally consistent in referring to a small grinder. However, specific types of traditional hand-held whisks used for frothing hot chocolate, also called 'molinillo', are more culturally specific to certain regions, particularly Mexico and parts of Spain.

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