# marinade

/ˈmɑɹɪˌneɪd/ (US) · /mˈæɹɪnˌeɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/marinade
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a mixture of liquid, oil, and spices used to soak food in before cooking. It helps the food stay moist and adds flavor.

For teachers: a liquid mixture of oil, vinegar, and seasonings in which food is soaked to enhance flavor and moisture. Often used in the preparation of meats, vegetables, or seafood.

## Examples

- I let the chicken sit in the marinade for two hours.
- The chef prepared a spicy marinade using soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to flavor the beef before grilling it.
- While some recipes call for a quick soak, others require the food to remain in the marinade for several hours or even overnight to achieve maximum penetration of the acidic and aromatic components.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.