pickle

pick-le · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A cucumber or other vegetable preserved in vinegar or brine.

  2. 2.

    To preserve food in vinegar or brine.

  3. 3.

    (informal) A difficult or awkward situation.

  4. 4.

    A liquid used to preserve food, made of brine or vinegar.

Forms

plural: pickles

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    in a pickle — In a difficult situation.

Related words

See also: brine, cucumber, preserve
Synonyms: gherkin

Etymology

From Middle Dutch pekel ("brine, pickle"). The "difficult situation" sense arose from being "preserved" in trouble.