1
: a solution or bath for preserving or cleaning: such as
a
: a brine or vinegar solution in which foods are preserved
b
: any of various baths used in industrial cleaning or processing
2
: a difficult situation : plight
could see no way out of the pickle I was in—
R. L. Stevenson
R. L. Stevenson3
: an article of food that has been preserved in brine or in vinegar
specifically
: a cucumber that has been so preserved
pickled; pickling
ˈpi-k(ə-)liŋ 
1
: to treat, preserve, or clean in or with a pickle
2
: to give a light finish to (something, such as furniture) by bleaching or painting and wiping
Examples of pickle in a Sentence
Noun (1)
well, this is a bit of a pickle we've gotten ourselves into
Recent Examples on the Web
Chrissy Suttles, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025
The new spicy spin on KFC's original chicken sandwich – a white-meat filet topped with pickles on a brioche bun – was introduced last month.
—Peter Burke, Fox News, 11 Mar. 2025
Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2025
Instead, the movie focuses on renowned lyricist Lorenz Hart (Hawke), getting pickled on bourbon down the street at Sardi’s while the New York theaterati toast the success of his composing partner of 20-plus years, Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott).
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pickle
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Noun
Zoom in: The star of Pittsburgh Regional Transit's new illustrated etiquette push is an anthropomorphic pickle seen distracting a bus driver, blowing smoke into a sentient sleeve of french fries and refusing to share a seat with a pierogi.
—Chrissy Suttles, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025
The new spicy spin on KFC's original chicken sandwich – a white-meat filet topped with pickles on a brioche bun – was introduced last month.
—Peter Burke, Fox News, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
Corn husks can be dried and steamed, cucumber and melon rinds can be pickled or candied, peppery nasturtium leaves can be eaten in salads, and even young sunflower stalks can be eaten like celery if properly prepared.
—Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2025
Instead, the movie focuses on renowned lyricist Lorenz Hart (Hawke), getting pickled on bourbon down the street at Sardi’s while the New York theaterati toast the success of his composing partner of 20-plus years, Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott).
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pickle
Articles Related to pickle
Cite this Entry
“Pickle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pickle. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pickle
2 of 2 verb
pickled; pickling
ˈpik-(ə-)liŋ
: to treat, preserve, or clean in or with a pickle
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