Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

gratinate

transitive verb
grat·​i·​nate | \ ˈgratᵊnˌāt\
-ed/-ing/-s

Definition of gratinate

: to cook with a covering of buttered crumbs or grated cheese until a crust or crisp surface forms

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for gratinate

French gratiner (from gratin) + English -ate

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about gratinate

Dictionary Entries near gratinate

gratifying

gratillity

gratin

gratinate

gratiné

gratinée

grating

Statistics for gratinate

Look-up Popularity

Comments on gratinate

What made you want to look up gratinate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

supersede

Listen to the pronounciation of supersede

to take the place or position of

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

  • a closeup of a sunflower
  • Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games