Marinate/ˈmærɪneɪt/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Culinary Term Used in cooking contexts to describe preparing food with a flavorful liquid. Let's marinate the tofu in this herb mix. Pro Tip 2/3Time Factor Marinating often implies letting the food sit for hours for better taste. If you marinate these ribs now, they'll be perfect by dinner. Pro Tip 3/3Active Process Emphasizes an ongoing action; food is actively absorbing flavors. The beef has been marinating since morning.