condiment

noun

con·​di·​ment ˈkän-də-mənt 

plural condiments

: something (such as a seasoning, sauce, garnish, or topping) that is added to food usually after the food is prepared and that enhances or adds to its flavor

Mustard is a top-selling condiment, and although ketchup and mayonnaise consistently outrank it in popularity worldwide, more than 700 million pounds of mustard are sold every year …

—Melissa St. Aude

Then he presents … a bowl of creamy potatoes and a tray of six condiments, including pesto, horseradish, sea salt, red pepper sauce, raisin sauce and garlicky mayonnaise.

—Jerry Shriver

condimental

ˌkän-də-ˈmen-tᵊl 

adjective

Synonyms

• seasoning

Examples of condiment in a Sentence

the cafeteria's self-serve table has a full array of condiments

Recent Examples on the Web

Kay’s particular diet was a recurring talking point on the show, with condiments such as ketchup and mayo among the foods that repulsed the TV voice of the Yankees. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2025

Regardless of who wins, social media will be abuzz with the postgame mayo shower, which is either good comedy or downright disgusting, depending on your tolerance for condiments getting poured on people. —Dan Santaromita, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025

Not to be confused with the regularly available Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing, this creamy limited-time condiment comes in a sauce packet on the side of the Grilled Spicy Deluxe Sandwich. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 2 Jan. 2025

Walk along stalls within the 18-acre market on Airline Drive showcasing local fruits, vegetables, country eggs, local honey, freshly baked goods, and homemade condiments and jams. —Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin condimentum, from condire to season

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

condiment

noun

con·​di·​ment ˈkän-də-mənt 

: something used to give food a good taste

especially : a tangy seasoning

Medical Definition

condiment

noun

con·​di·​ment ˈkän-də-mənt 

: something used to enhance the flavor of food

especially : a pungent seasoning

condimental

ˌkän-də-ˈment-ᵊl 

adjective