pickle
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈpɪk.əl/
KK: /ˈpɪkəl/
noun
Definition
A food item, often a cucumber, that has been preserved in a salty or vinegar solution to enhance its flavor and shelf life.
Example
I love adding a pickle to my sandwich for extra crunch and flavor.
Conversation
Have you tried the new sandwich place downtown?
Not yet, but I heard they put a pickle on every sandwich.
That sounds interesting! I love the crunch from a pickle.
Me too! It really adds a nice flavor to the meal.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
brine
relish
preserve
Antonyms
fresh
disagreeable
solution
transitive verb
Definition
To preserve food by soaking it in a salty or sour liquid, usually vinegar or brine.
Example
She decided to pickle the cucumbers to make delicious snacks.
Tense Forms
Past: pickled
Past Participle: pickled
Conversation
I tried to pickle some cucumbers this weekend.
Oh really? How did that turn out?
It was surprisingly easy; they turned out great!
Root Explanation
The word 'pickle' originates from the Dutch word 'pekel', meaning brine or salt. It refers to the process of preserving food in a salty solution.
Memory Tip
Think of the Dutch word 'pekel' for brine, which helps you remember that 'pickle' refers to food preserved in a salty solution.
Visually Confused Words
spickle
prickle
pikle
prickled
depickle
aprickle
tickle
sickle