pickle juice

American  

[pik-uhl joos] / ˈpɪk əl ˌdʒus /

noun

1. the vinegar-rich brine that vegetables, eggs, etc., have been preserved in, especially the liquid in a jar of dill pickles, sometimes consumed for its purported health benefits.

2. any briny, vinegar-rich beverage purported to have such health benefits as muscle cramp relief and blood glucose control, but also high enough in sodium and acidity to be potentially risky for those with such conditions as hypertension and stomach ulcers.

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Etymology

Origin of pickle juice

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

This is my favorite use for pickle juice, partly because the payoff feels disproportionate to the effort.

From Salon • May 28, 2026

Brining chicken in pickle juice — whether for fried chicken, grilled chicken or air-fried tenders — keeps it unbelievably moist while adding a subtle tang that’s difficult to identify outright.

From Salon • May 28, 2026

Alcaraz had treatment to both thighs and was also drinking pickle juice, but his movement improved as the match went on.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

Alcaraz continued but his movement was hampered and he lost his first set of the tournament, before the pickle juice kicked in and he fought on.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

The juice spilled down my chin as pickle juice often did on Uri.

From "Milkweed" by Jerry Spinelli