What does marinate mean?
“Marinate” is a verb meaning primarily to soak food in a seasoned liquid before it is cooked. The liquid may contain ingredients such as oil, vinegar, wine, citrus juice, garlic, herbs, or spices, and the food can be marinated for anything from a few minutes to several hours or even days. The word can also be used more broadly for immersing or steeping something in a liquid. Figuratively, to marinate in a place or experience means to immerse oneself in it, usually for a prolonged period. In everyday cooking language, “marinate” is distinct from “marinade”: the first names the action, while the second names the liquid used for the action. The word belongs to standard British and American English and is especially common in recipes, food writing, and culinary instruction.
verbTo soak food in a seasoned liquid, such as oil, vinegar, wine, or a spice mixture, before cooking. More generally, to immerse or steep something in a liquid.
- To soak food in a seasoned liquid before cooking.
- To immerse or steep something in a liquid.
"Marinate the chicken in the garlic and lemon sauce for at least an hour."
"Marinate the vegetables in the dressing for two hours before serving."
"The author marinated in the atmosphere of the old city for several months."
A word with a surprisingly seafaring past: “marinate” comes from the same maritime root as “mariner” and “maritime,” so its culinary meaning began with food steeped like treasure in a sea of sauce.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does marinate come from?
The word comes through French “mariner,” meaning to make or preserve food in a seasoning or brine, from Latin “marinus,” meaning “of the sea.” English “marinate” developed in the 17th century in culinary contexts and later acquired the figurative sense of immersing or soaking.
Related word forms
How marinate is actually used
In cooking, “marinate” is common in British and American English. The figurative use is more literary and means to immerse oneself in an experience, atmosphere, or environment.
Easily confused with marinate
“Marinate” is the verb describing the action of soaking food, whereas “marinade” names the seasoned liquid used for that purpose.