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Definition of ketchup

ketchup

/ˈkɛtʃ.əp/
ketch · up
Plural:ketchups
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ketchup Lexical Profile

ketchup Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A thick, sweet, and tangy condiment made primarily from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and various spices, widely used as a topping or dipping sauce.

Example

"She squeezed a generous amount of ketchup onto her plate to dip her french fries."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ketchup

• Nearby Words

kerrybush
kestrel
ketch
ketchup
kettle
kettledrum
key

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Malay word 'kicap' (soy sauce), which itself comes from the Hokkien Chinese 'kê-tsiap' (fermented fish brine). Originally referring to a mushroom, walnut, or fish sauce in English, it evolved to universally describe a tomato-based condiment by the late 19th century.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ketchup. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ketchup
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