ketchup
UK: ˈkɛtʃəp | US: ˈkɛtʃəp
n. a thick, tangy sauce made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices, used as a condiment.
The word "ketchup" originates from the Hokkien Chinese term "kê-tsiap" (鮭汁), referring to a fermented fish sauce. It entered English via Malay "kicap" (soy/fish sauce) and was later adapted in the 17th–18th centuries by British colonists. The modern tomato-based version emerged in the 19th century, replacing earlier fish or mushroom variants. The morpheme "ket" preserves the original "fish sauce" association, while "chup" reflects the sauce-like consistency.
She dipped her fries in ketchup.
This burger tastes better with extra ketchup.
The recipe calls for a tablespoon of ketchup.
He accidentally spilled ketchup on his shirt.
Do you prefer ketchup or mustard on your hot dog?