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

Don some blindfolds and have at it, giving them fun things to taste like pickle juice, ketchup, yogurt, apple chunks, and more. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 25 Apr. 2025

Earlier this month, Powell opened up about the inspiration for his line, which includes flavors such as classic mayo and hot honey ketchup, in an interview with PEOPLE. —Erin Clements, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Again this can favor some but be about as pleasant as pouring ketchup into one’s eyes for others. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025

The Swiffer Sweep + Mop Deluxe cleaned up both the ketchup and peanut butter quickly and efficiently. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2025

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