Marinate: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you want to soak food, usually meat or vegetables, in a liquid mixture of spices, herbs, and other ingredients, typically to enhance flavor before cooking.

• You should marinate the chicken in lemon juice and garlic overnight.
• Marinate the beef for a few hours to make it more tender and tasty.

Used when preserving food, usually vegetables, in vinegar or brine. It often gives the food a sour taste.

• I like to pickle cucumbers with dill and garlic.
• She decided to pickle some beets to enjoy them during the winter.

Used when adding spices, herbs, or other flavorings to food during or after cooking.

• Season the steak with salt and pepper before grilling.
• Don't forget to season the soup with some oregano and thyme.

Used when referring to the general taste of food or drink. It can also mean to add something that enhances this taste.

• The flavor of this soup is amazing, it must have lots of herbs.
• You can flavor the cake with vanilla extract or lemon zest.

For preparing food, especially meat, by soaking it in a flavoring liquid before cooking.

• Marinate the chicken in the soy sauce mixture for at least an hour.
• They decided to marinate the steak in a blend of herbs and spices overnight.

For describing how something takes in liquid, heat, light, or information.

• The sponge can absorb a lot of water.
• Plants absorb sunlight for photosynthesis.
• It's important to take notes so you can absorb the information better.

For allowing a liquid to be absorbed into something, often over a longer period; can also be used metaphorically.

• Let the dishes soak in the soapy water to make cleaning easier.
• After a long day, he likes to soak in the bath to relax.

For consuming liquids, especially alcohol, often in a more formal or literary context.

• He liked to imbibe a glass of wine with dinner.
• During the festival, people gathered to imbibe and celebrate together.