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

Next, spread mayonnaise, ketchup or your favorite condiment on the bun. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025

The meats are marinated in soy sauce, garlic, banana ketchup, calamansi and brown sugar, according to staff. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025

More items on the shop’s menu: an avocado, egg and cheddar sandwich; a Jersey pork roll with hashbrowns, egg, American cheese, salt, pepper and ketchup; a pepperoni pizza bagel; a rosemary and salt bagel; and more. —Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2025

The company features iconic product names such as Heinz ketchup, Grey Poupon mustard, and a portfolio of hot sauces, dressings, and condiments. —Joe Cornell, Forbes.com, 17 July 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