ketchup

noun

ketch·​up ˈke-chəp  ˈka- 

variants or less commonly catchup

ˈke-chəp  ˈka- 

or catsup

ˈke-chəp  ˈka-  ˈkat-səp 

: 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

Yes, the boys went all out with a water slide, a hot-dog cart, a dunk tank, and our favorite bromances in matching couples’ costumes (Carl and Kyle as a hot dog and bun and Jesse and West as ketchup and mustard). —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025

Testing Trend: Many of our favorite condiments come in squeeze bottles, taking a cue from restaurant kitchens and home staples like ketchup and mustard. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2025

The company — known for its fat burgers, spicy ketchup and limited edition menu items — has now confirmed exact locations and rough timelines. —Alexandria Sands, Axios, 6 Jan. 2025

Use calorie-dense condiments like mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and ketchup sparingly, or choose lighter versions. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 20 Jan. 2025

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

Phrases Containing ketchup

• tomato ketchup

Rhymes for ketchup

• catsup

Kids Definition

ketchup

noun

ketch·​up

variants also catchup

ˈkech-əp,

ˈkach-

or catsup

ˈkech-əp 

ˈkach-;

ˈkat-səp

: a thick seasoned sauce usually made from tomatoes