Pickles: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to cucumbers that have been preserved in vinegar or brine. This term is often used in general to describe any vegetables that have been pickled.

• I love to eat pickles with my sandwiches
• The deli sells homemade pickles

Specifically used for small cucumbers that have been pickled, often found in European and British cuisines.

• Can you pass me the jar of gherkins? These gherkins are great with cheese and crackers

Best used when referring to the fresh, raw vegetable that is often used in salads, sandwiches, or as a snack.

• She added some cucumbers to the salad
• I find cucumbers so refreshing in the summer

Used when referring to a finely chopped pickled vegetable condiment, often spread on hot dogs, burgers, or other savory dishes.

• She topped her hot dog with some relish
• I like to make my own sweet relish for barbecues

Used informally to describe a difficult situation or trouble, often with a humorous tone.

• We're in a bit of pickles trying to fix the car before the trip

Describes a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation, implying there is no easy way to get out of it.

• She found herself in a predicament when her car broke down in the middle of nowhere

Appropriate when describing a situation where a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, often all undesirable.

• I'm facing a dilemma: should I take the job offer in another city or stay close to my family?

Conveys a state of uncertainty or perplexity, often about what to do next, highlighting confusion or puzzlement.

• He was in a quandary about whether to attend the meeting or finish his report

This word is often used when referring to vegetables that have been preserved in vinegar or brine. It is commonly used in casual conversation and general situations involving food.

• I love adding pickles to my sandwich for an extra crunch.
• Pickles are a great side dish for burgers.

This term is broader and can refer to any method of keeping food safe for long periods, including canning, freezing, or drying. It's often used in a more general or formal context.

• We need to preserve these fruits before they go bad.
• Homemade preserves make great gifts.

This term is used in contexts where food or beverages are undergoing a process controlled by microorganisms, usually involving longer periods and often associated with making items like beer, yogurt, or kimchi. It has a more scientific or technical connotation.

• We need to let the dough ferment overnight to get the perfect bread texture.
• Fermented foods like sauerkraut are excellent for gut health.

This word is used when describing the process of soaking food, usually meat, in a seasoned liquid before cooking. It is often used in recipes and cooking-related contexts.

• It's best to marinate the chicken for at least two hours before grilling.
• Marinating the steak overnight will make it more flavorful.