chutney

American  

[chuht-nee] / ˈtʃʌt ni /

Or chutnee

noun

plural

chutneys

1. a sauce or relish of East Indian origin, often compounded of both sweet and sour ingredients, as fruits and herbs, with spices and other seasoning.

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chutney British  

/ ˈtʃʌtnɪ /

noun

1. a pickle of Indian origin, made from fruit, vinegar, spices, sugar, etc

   mango chutney

2. a type of music popular in the Caribbean Asian community, much influenced by calypso

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Etymology

Origin of chutney

First recorded in 1805–15, chutney is from the Hindi word chatnī

Explanation

Chutney is an Indian condiment that adds a sweet, spicy flavor to your food. When you eat at an Indian restaurant, you can ask for extra chutney on the side. Some chutneys resemble jam — and, in fact, many types are made with fruit that's been cooked or pickled in vinegar, lemon, or tamarind, and often sugar. Other chutney is made with vegetables and flavored with various spices. European chutneys tend to be sweet, while in India they're just as likely to be very hot and spicy. The word chutney has a Sanskrit root, caṭnī, "to lick."

Example Sentences

She gave her a homemade jar of chutney.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 17, 2026

"Today on the menu we have kitchari - a mix of daal and rice, with tomato chutney, halloumi and salad," the school cook says, as she serves the students.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025

I’m campaigning for them to add the slice from Bridgetown Roti, with honey-jerk chicken and mango chutney, to the permanent menu.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2025

The chutney practically makes itself once you toss all the ingredients together in a saucepan, but you would think this standout relish of sorts requires much more effort.

From Salon • Dec. 5, 2024

A tali was brought out piled with boiled ducks’ eggs, crisply fried pooris, dal, rice, curries, chapatis, mango chutney, and many kinds of sweets.

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan