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 2024, ranch eclipsed ketchup to become the nation's top-selling condiment. — Scott Simon, NPR, 27 June 2026

In a large bowl combine the ground beef, egg, onion soup mix, bread crumbs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026

Yes, eagle-eyed reporters and fans have noted that logos on bottles of condiments — such as ketchup from Heinz — have been taped over inside stadiums. — ABC News, 25 June 2026

There are so many flavors in this casserole (thanks to the cheese, relish, ketchup, and more) but the sweet buttery rolls on the top are the perfect finishing touch. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 June 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