pickle
6 synonyms for pickle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A cucumber or other vegetable preserved in vinegar or brine.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
muddle
kettle of fish
How to use pickle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
in a pickle
pickle jar
pickled onions
Etymology
From Middle Dutch/Middle Low German pekel ("brine"), which also gave English words like Scots pikkill.
Full origin of pickle →Frequently asked questions
What does “pickle” mean?
The word “pickle” means a cucumber or other vegetable preserved in vinegar or brine. In plain terms, a vinegar-preserved food, or an awkward situation you've gotten stuck in.
How do you pronounce “pickle”?
“Pickle” is pronounced PIH-kuhl (/ˈpɪkəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “pickle” in a sentence?
Here is “pickle” used in a sentence: “He added a pickle to his sandwich for extra crunch.”
What part of speech is “pickle”?
Depending on how it is used, “pickle” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “pickle” come from?
The word “pickle” comes from German. From Middle Dutch/Middle Low German pekel ("brine"), which also gave English words like Scots pikkill.
Is “pickle” a common word?
“Pickle” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “pickle” have?
“Pickle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a cucumber or other vegetable preserved in vinegar or brine.
