ketchup

noun

ketch·​up ˈke-chəp  ˈka- 

variants or less commonly catchup

ˈke-chəp  ˈka- 

or catsup

ˈke-chəp  ˈka-  ˈkat-səp 

: a seasoned pureed condiment usually made from tomatoes

Examples of ketchup in a Sentence

She put ketchup on her hamburger.

Recent Examples on the Web

Traditional sloppy joes are way too sweet and ketchup-y for my taste. —ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026

The must-order item here is the footlong super topped with ketchup, mustard, cheese, onions, coleslaw, and the secret family recipe chili that's been served since day one. —Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026

It is traditionally topped with lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, and onions. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026

The typical options include ketchup, honey mustard or BBQ sauce. —Eddie Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 9 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed, directly or via Malay kecap (phonetically kətʃap) "fish sauce," from Southern Min (Chinese dialects of southeast Fujian) kôe-chiap (Xiamen), kê-chiap (Zhangzhou), from kôe, kê "salted or pickled fish or shellfish" + chiap "juice, sap"

First Known Use

circa 1690, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ketchup

• tomato ketchup

Rhymes for ketchup

• catsup

Kids Definition

ketchup

noun

ketch·​up

variants also catchup

ˈkech-əp, 

ˈkach-

or catsup

ˈkech-əp 

ˈkach-;

ˈkat-səp

: a thick seasoned sauce usually made from tomatoes