What does souse mean?
Souse means to immerse, plunge, or soak something, usually suddenly or thoroughly. The word often conveys a more forceful or complete wetting than soak alone: someone might souse curtains in the sink, drench fabric in dye, or plunge food into liquid. It also has a culinary sense, referring to preserving food in brine, often a mixture of salt water, vinegar, and spices. Soused herring is the best-known example, and the resulting food has a firm texture and a sharp, salty tang. Although souse can be used figuratively, as in “soused in details,” its most characteristic uses involve literal immersion and pickling. The verb is standard in both British and American English, while the related noun is less common and usually refers to brine or food preserved in brine.
To immerse, plunge, or soak something, especially suddenly or thoroughly; to preserve food in brine.
"He soused the onions in cold water and drained them."
In culinary use, the word commonly refers to immersing food in a salt- or vinegar-based preserving liquid.
A solution of salt and water used to preserve food; food preserved in such a solution.
"The fish was stored in a souse of salt water and spices."
The plural is uncommon; the noun is often used in the mass singular sense for brine or preserved food.
"The pantry contained several jars of smoked souses."
Soused herring is not just soaked: it is preserved in salt and vinegar, giving it a distinctive tangy flavor.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does souse come from?
The word is recorded in Middle English in the senses of soaking and preserving in brine. Its precise origin is uncertain, though it is often linked to an Old French word meaning “under” or “beneath,” in connection with food placed beneath a liquid. Modern usage retains both the general sense of immersion and the culinary sense of brining.
Related word forms
How souse is actually used
The verb often suggests a sudden or forceful immersion. In culinary contexts, it refers specifically to preserving food in brine.
Easily confused with souse
Souse means to immerse or soak something, whereas sauce is a liquid or semisolid accompaniment to food.
Souse can mean to plunge or soak something, while douse usually means to drench it with liquid, especially to put out a fire.