noun
condiment
KON-di-muhnt
Condiment (noun) means a sauce, relish or seasoning added to food at the table to improve its flavour. Example: “Mustard is the one condiment he refuses to eat.”
noun
1
A sauce, relish or seasoning added to food at the table to improve its flavour.
"Mustard is the one condiment he refuses to eat."
"The tray held salt, pepper and half a dozen other condiments."
How to use condiment
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething like ketchup or mustard that you add to food to make it taste better.
When to use it
Neutral; slightly more formal than "sauce".
Easily confused with
Common pairings
condiment tray
a range of condiments
sauces and condiments
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like condiment.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Mustard is the one _____ he refuses to eat.
Etymology
From Latin condimentum "spice, seasoning", from condire "to season, to preserve".
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for condiment
regiment
sediment
detriment
sentiment
merriment
compliment
experiment
embodiment
impediment
accompaniment
See all rhymes for condiment →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a condiment and a seasoning?
A seasoning, such as salt or dried herbs, is usually added during cooking and becomes part of the dish. A condiment is added afterwards, at the table, and stays separate — ketchup, chutney, soy sauce. Salt and pepper straddle both categories.
Is ketchup a condiment?
Yes. Ketchup is one of the clearest examples: it is served alongside finished food and each diner adds as much as they want. Mayonnaise, mustard, hot sauce, pickles and relish belong to the same group.
Is butter a condiment?
It can be treated as one when it is put on the table for spreading, but butter is more often classed as a fat or a spread because it is also a cooking ingredient. Menus and food retailers vary in how they file it.
What is the meaning of condiment?
"condiment" (noun) means a sauce, relish or seasoning added to food at the table to improve its flavour.
