/ ˈpɪkl; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ C , usually pl. ] ( BrE ) a vegetable that has been preserved in vinegar or salt water and has a strong flavour, served cold with meat, salads, etc.
2.
[ U ] ( BrE ) a cold thick spicy sauce made from fruit and vegetables that have been boiled, often sold in jars and served with meat, cheese, etc.
3.
[ U , C ] ( NAmE ) = gherkin
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IDIOMS
- in a pickle
■ verb
[ vn ] to preserve food in vinegar or salt water
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (denoting a spicy sauce served with meat): from Middle Dutch , Middle Low German pekel , of unknown ultimate origin.