sauerkraut
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of sauerkraut
1610–20; < German, equivalent to sauer sour + Kraut greens
Explanation
Sauerkraut is pickled or fermented cabbage that has a distinctive sour flavor. If you see someone spooning something pale yellow from a jar onto their hot dog, chances are that is sauerkraut. You may have eaten sauerkraut on a hot dog or in a Reuben sandwich. It's also common in German, Czech, Polish, and French dishes, and in slightly different forms sauerkraut shows up in the cuisines of many other countries and regions. Sauerkraut is preserved and fermented by specific lactic acid bacteria that contribute to its sour taste. In German, Sauerkraut means "sour cabbage" or "sour vegetable."
Vocabulary lists containing sauerkraut
World Cuisine - Introductory
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
World Cuisine - Middle School and High School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Okay for Now
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sauerkraut, long known for its supporting role as a hot dog topping, is taking the spotlight as nutritionists tout the health benefits of fermented foods.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 15, 2025
Nathan Countryman, the editor at the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun, is eager for the help covering meetings, graduation and beloved community events like Sauerkraut Days.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 2, 2024
Sauerkraut is a vital part of culinary traditions in much of Europe, especially in Germany, where this name derives.
From Salon • Jan. 21, 2022
Plus, these foods tend to have other health properties as well: Sauerkraut and kimchi are made from vegetables, which are generally good for you, and yogurt is an excellent source of protein.
From New York Times • Aug. 19, 2021
Sauerkraut splattered across the windshield as we came to a halt against the ovens.
From "Milkweed" by Jerry Spinelli
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
