marmite

American  

[mahr-mahyt, mahr-meet] / ˈmɑr maɪt, mɑrˈmit /

noun

1. a metal or earthenware cooking pot with a cover, usually large and often having legs.

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marmite ¹ British  

/ ˈmɑːmaɪt /

noun

1. a large cooking pot

2. soup cooked in such a pot

3. an individual covered casserole for serving soup

4. military a container used to bring food to troops in the field

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Marmite ² British  

/ ˈmɑːmaɪt /

noun

1. a yeast and vegetable extract used as a spread, flavouring, etc

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Etymology

Origin of marmite

1795–1805; < French, Middle French, apparently equivalent to mar ( m )-, base of marmotter to mutter, murmur ( see marmot) + mite expressive word for a cat; probably originally a jocular or nursery word, a deep, covered pot being thought of as secretive and hence catlike in comparison to an open pan; compare Old French marmite hypocritical

Example Sentences

Stir in the butter and marmite, adding a little of the pasta water to loosen if need be.

From Salon • Sep. 26, 2023

“Boris Johnson was a marmite politician” said David Simmonds, a Conservative lawmaker in the neighboring area of Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, referring to a salty, yeasty paste that Britons tend to either love or hate.

From New York Times • Jul. 18, 2023

A number of popular items, including marmite and cream cheese, have faced scarcities amid supply chain disruptions wrought by the coronavirus pandemic and extreme weather.

From Washington Post • Jan. 8, 2022

"A bit of a marmite," is how Harrington described Poulter, using a British term for a person who people either love or hate.

From Fox News • Sep. 22, 2021

The evening meal was slowly cooking in a marmite suspended from a hook.

From The Idol of Paris by Bernhardt, Sarah