Definition

1. Noun:

   • A seasoned liquid mixture, typically containing an acid (like vinegar, wine, or citrus juice), oil, and various herbs and spices, in which food is soaked to flavor and tenderize it before cooking.

2. Verb:

   • To soak food in a marinade.

Usage

• As a Noun: The word "marinade" refers to the liquid mixture itself.
• As a Verb: The word "marinade" describes the action of soaking food in such a mixture.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The chicken needs to sit in the marinade for at least two hours.
  • She prepared a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
• Verb:
  • You should marinade the tofu overnight for maximum flavor.
  • The recipe says to marinade the beef for no more than four hours.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in marinade": Describes food that is currently soaking.
  • The fish is in marinade and will be ready to grill in an hour.
• "To use as a marinade": Specifies the purpose of a liquid mixture.
  • The leftover dressing can be used as a marinade for vegetables.

Variants and Related Words

• Marinate (verb): A more common verb form with the same meaning as "to marinade."
  • It is best to marinate the meat before grilling.
• Marinated (adjective): Describes food that has been soaked in a marinade.
  • We ordered marinated olives as an appetizer.

Synonyms

• Noun: Brine (specifically for a saltwater solution), pickling solution, soak.
• Verb: Soak, steep, immerse, infuse.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Marinade in: To soak something in a marinade. (This is the standard verb usage, not a distinct phrasal verb).
  • Marinade the pork in the sauce for several hours.

Related Idioms

• : Can be used figuratively to mean to let an idea or plan develop over time.
  • I'll let that suggestion marinade for a while before I decide.

Noun

1. mixtures of vinegar or wine and oil with various spices and seasonings; used for soaking foods before cooking

Verb

1. soak in marinade
   • marinade herring