What does marinade mean?
A marinade is a seasoned liquid used to flavor food before it is cooked. It commonly contains ingredients such as oil, vinegar, wine, herbs, spices, garlic, or citrus juice, and may also help tenderize meat or fish. The word can denote either the liquid itself or the food that has been soaked in it. In American English, marinade may also function as an informal verb, although marinate is the more widely used standard form. The noun is common in both British and American culinary English. Its connotations are savory and practical rather than literary, but it can evoke rich flavors, careful preparation, and cuisines in which meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables are seasoned before grilling, roasting, baking, or frying. The word is also interesting etymologically: it derives through French from a tradition of preserving food in brine and ultimately from Latin mare, the sea.
A seasoned liquid in which food is soaked before cooking; also, the food that has been soaked in such a liquid.
"He brushed the fish with the barbecue marinade just before putting it on the grill."
The plural marinades is used for distinct mixtures or quantities. The noun is standard in both British and American English.
To put food in a marinade or allow it to soak in a seasoned liquid.
"They marinated the chicken in lemon, garlic, and olive oil."
This verb use is chiefly associated with American English and is relatively informal. It is usually pronounced /ˈmærɪneɪd/, with primary stress on the final syllable.
Used for different marinades or separate quantities of marinade; a single mixture is normally treated as a mass noun.
"The restaurant offers several marinades, including herb, garlic, and spicy barbecue varieties."
Marinade grew out of the old practice of curing food in brine: its name traces to Latin mare, meaning "sea."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does marinade come from?
The English noun appeared in the early 17th century, borrowed from French marinade, itself derived from mariner, meaning to pickle or preserve in brine. French marin in turn relates to Latin marinus, meaning "of the sea," from mare, meaning "sea." Marine, mariner, and marinate share this maritime root, reflecting the original connection between brining, preservation, and the sea.
Related word forms
How marinade is actually used
The noun is standard in both British and American English. British English generally favors marinate as the verb, whereas marinade is more commonly used as an informal verb in American English. The British pronunciation is commonly /ˌmærɪˈnɑːd/, while /ˌmærɪˈneɪd/ is standard in American English.
Easily confused with marinade
Marinade is principally the noun naming the seasoned liquid, while marinate is the standard verb meaning to soak food in it.