# marinate

/ˈmɛɹəˌneɪt/ (US) · /mˈæɹɪnˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/marinate
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

to soak food in a tasty liquid for a while to add flavour and make it soft. You leave meat or vegetables in the liquid for some time before you cook them.

For teachers: to soak food in a seasoned liquid for a period before cooking in order to add flavour and soften its texture.

## Examples

- She marinates the chicken in lemon and garlic.
- He marinates the beef overnight so the spices soak in before tomorrow's barbecue.
- After the chef marinates the lamb in red wine and rosemary for twelve hours, the meat becomes remarkably tender.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; often followed by 'in' for the liquid and 'for' for the time.

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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.