ketchup

noun

ketch·​up ˈke-chəp How to pronounce ketchup (audio) ˈka- How to pronounce ketchup (audio)
variants or less commonly catchup
ˈke-chəp How to pronounce ketchup (audio) ˈka- How to pronounce ketchup (audio)
or catsup
ˈke-chəp How to pronounce ketchup (audio) ˈka- How to pronounce ketchup (audio) ˈkat-səp How to pronounce ketchup (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a large bowl, combine the beef, pork, chorizo, garlic, ketchup, salt, cumin, and paprika. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 Its bitterness is a secret weapon, countering the sweetness of the ketchup and complementing the warm notes the bourbon imparts. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2026 Some products handled stains like ketchup, coffee, oil and gravy well, though results varied considerably by brand. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026 Some performed well on stains like ketchup, coffee, oil and gravy, though results varied widely by brand. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ketchup

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ketchup was circa 1690

Phrases Containing ketchup

Rhymes for ketchup

See All Rhymes for ketchup

Browse Nearby Words

Ketchikan
ketchup
Keteleeria
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ketchup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ketchup. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ketchup

noun
ketch·​up
variants also catchup
ˈkech-əp, 
ˈkach-
 or catsup
ˈkech-əp How to pronounce ketchup (audio)
ˈkach-;
ˈkat-səp
: a thick seasoned sauce usually made from tomatoes

More from Merriam-Webster on ketchup

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ketchup

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