Pickle: meaning, definitions and examples

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pickle

[ˈpɪk.əl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

food

A cucumber that has been preserved in vinegar or brine, often with herbs or spices added for flavor. Pickles can be sweet, sour, or spicy.

Synonyms

cucumber pickle, gherkin, relish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pickle	General term for vegetables, usually cucumbers, preserved in a vinegar or brine solution. Common in many cuisines and can be used broadly when referring to any pickled vegetables. I love adding pickle to my sandwiches for an extra tangy taste. They served a plate of assorted pickle alongside the main dish.
gherkin	Type of small cucumber that has been pickled, typically in brine or vinegar. Common in British and American cuisine and often used in fast food or as a garnish. Gherkins are perfect for adding a little zing to salads. She placed a gherkin on top of each slider for a burst of flavor.
relish	Condiment made from pickled vegetables, often combined with spices, sugar, and other ingredients. Usually more finely chopped and saucy than pickles. I always add a spoonful of relish to my hot dogs. The turkey sandwich was delicious with a bit of sweet relish.
cucumber pickle	Specifically refers to cucumbers that have been pickled. Often used when there is a need to distinguish from other types of pickled vegetables. The cucumber pickle can add a refreshing crunch to your burgers. He often snacks on cucumber pickle straight from the jar.

Examples of usage

Pickle slices are a popular topping for hamburgers.
She enjoys eating dill pickles straight from the jar.
Pickles are commonly served as a side dish with sandwiches.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

food

To preserve food by soaking it in a vinegar or brine solution. This process gives the food a sour or tangy flavor.

Synonyms

brine, ferment, preserve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pickle	Used when referring to food that has been preserved in a solution of salt, vinegar, or other acid, often with spices. It is commonly used in daily conversation about preparing or consuming pickled foods. I love having a pickle with my sandwich She decided to pickle the cucumbers from her garden
preserve	Used when indicating the action of keeping food from spoiling, which can be done in various ways including canning, freezing and drying. This is a broader term used in general food storage and preparation contexts. She learned how to preserve fruits and vegetables for the winter The jam was preserved in airtight jars
ferment	Used when talking about the process of converting sugars into alcohol or acids by using yeast or bacteria. It is often mentioned in the context of making alcoholic beverages, bread, or fermented foods. They decided to ferment the grape juice to make wine The cabbage was left to ferment for a few days to make sauerkraut
brine	Used when referring specifically to a strong solution of salt in water used for pickling or preserving food. It is usually mentioned in cooking or food preparation contexts. The chef soaked the chicken in brine overnight The olives were left in brine for several weeks

Examples of usage

She likes to pickle her own vegetables from the garden.
The chef decided to pickle the excess cucumbers for later use.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'pickle' comes from the Dutch word 'pekel', which referred to brine or saltwater used for preserving food.
In Middle English, 'pikel' meant a spicy sauce used for preserving food, illustrating the long history of food preservation.

Culinary Arts

There are many varieties beyond cucumber, such as pickled carrots, beets, and even fruit like watermelon!
Fermented pickles not only enhance flavor but also introduce beneficial probiotics that are good for digestion.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, pickles are considered a delicacy and often find themselves in traditional recipes, enhancing flavors and preserving food.
In the U.S., pickles are an iconic side dish, especially beloved in Southern cuisine, where fried pickles are a popular snack.

History

Pickling has been practiced for thousands of years, dating back to at least 2030 BC in ancient Mesopotamia as a method to preserve vegetables.
Famous historical figures like Cleopatra and Julius Caesar reportedly enjoyed pickles for their taste and nutritional benefits.

Science

The process of pickling involves fermentation, which can create unique flavors and alter the nutritional profile of the vegetables.
Pickles are low in calories but high in sodium due to the brining process, making them a flavorful yet potent snack.

Translations

Translations of the word "pickle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 picles

🇮🇳 अचार

🇩🇪 Essiggurke

🇮🇩 acar

🇺🇦 солоний огірок

🇵🇱 ogórek kiszony

🇯🇵 ピクルス

🇫🇷 cornichon

🇪🇸 pepinillo

🇹🇷 turşu

🇰🇷 피클

🇸🇦 مخلل

🇨🇿 nakládaná okurka

🇸🇰 nakladaná uhorka

🇨🇳 泡菜

🇸🇮 kisla kumarica

🇮🇸 súrar gúrkur

🇰🇿 тұздалған қияр

🇬🇪 მჟავე კიტრი

🇦🇿 duzlu xiyar

🇲🇽 pepinillo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,086, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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20083 ministering
20084 nimble
20085 preempted
20086 pickle
20087 thump
20088 congratulating
20089 unrealized
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