What does marinated mean?
Marinated means that food has been soaked in a marinade, a seasoned liquid containing ingredients such as oil, vinegar, herbs, spices, garlic, or citrus juice. The process allows the food to absorb flavor and, depending on the ingredients and cooking method, can also make it more tender. Marinated foods include meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, tofu, and other ingredients that are prepared before grilling, roasting, baking, or serving. The term is common in both British and American English and is especially frequent in recipes, restaurant descriptions, and food writing. It is related to “marinade,” the liquid used for the preparation, and to the verb “marinate.” Although “marinaded” is sometimes encountered, “marinated” is the usual modern form in contemporary culinary usage.
adjectiveMarinated describes food that has been soaked in a seasoned liquid before cooking or serving. The liquid, called a marinade, often contains oil, vinegar, herbs, spices, or other flavorings.
- Soaked or infused in a marinade, usually before cooking or serving.
"The grilled vegetables were marinated in garlic, lemon, and olive oil before cooking."
"The marinated chicken was grilled and served with fresh salad."
"Her recipe uses marinated tofu in place of meat."
Marinated takes its name from the sea: its culinary ancestor, “marinade,” originally referred to a brine used to preserve food.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does marinated come from?
The word ultimately comes from Latin marinus, meaning “of the sea” or “belonging to the sea.” Through French, the related culinary sense developed around a brine or seasoned liquid used to preserve or flavor food. English borrowed the culinary noun “marinade” and the verb “marinate,” from which the adjective “marinated” was formed. Its connection with the sea reflects the historical use of salty brines for preserving food.
Related word forms
How marinated is actually used
The word is used chiefly in culinary contexts and is common in both British and American English. It normally describes food that has absorbed flavors from a seasoned liquid, rather than food simply seasoned on the surface.
Easily confused with marinated
Both words describe food soaked in a seasoned liquid, but “marinated” is the more usual standard form in contemporary English.
“Marinated” is the past participle and adjective form; “marinate” is the verb or noun from which it is derived.