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

In the 1830s, ketchup used to be sold as a medicine to cure indigestion. —Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 15 July 2024

The toppings may vary but commonly include pico de gallo, caramelized onions, pickles, chorizo, and guacamole with the traditional ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard. —David Ulloa Jr, The Arizona Republic, 12 July 2024

Pittsburgh is well-known for its steel industry and for bringing ketchup to the French fry-loving masses. —Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 14 June 2024

Toppings like ketchup, mustard and relish are classics, but why not shake it up? —Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 14 June 2024

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

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