Ketchup

Ketchup

Noun · /ˈkɛtʃ.əp/

Definition

A smooth, thick condiment sauce made primarily from tomatoes, sugar, and vinegar, used as a relish with food; also used to describe similar sauces made from other ingredients (mushroom ketchup, walnut ketchup).

Origin

From Malay kicap or kecap (a fermented fish or soy sauce), possibly from Hokkien Chinese ke-tchup (brine of pickled fish). The word was brought to Europe by Dutch and British traders from South-East Asia. The tomato version was developed in the United States from the 19th century.