marmite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium frequency in UK contexts; very low frequency in US contexts.Informal in culinary context; formal metaphorical use is possible in journalism, political commentary, and business writing.
Quick answer
What does “marmite” mean?
A thick, dark brown, salty yeast extract spread, a British food product with a very strong, distinctive flavour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thick, dark brown, salty yeast extract spread, a British food product with a very strong, distinctive flavour.
Something or someone that inspires strong, sharply divided opinions, being either loved or hated. This is a metaphor derived from the spread's polarising taste.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'Marmite' is a well-known brand name and common household item. In the US, it is largely unknown as a food product. The metaphorical usage ('marmite figure/policy') is primarily British.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with British identity, childhood, comfort food, and polarising taste. US: Typically no connotations; if known, seen as an exotic British curiosity.
Frequency
Very high frequency in UK, virtually zero in general US English.
Grammar
How to Use “marmite” in a Sentence
[Subject] + be + a marmite + [noun] (e.g., He is a marmite politician.)[Subject] + have + the marmite effectVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “marmite” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to marmite the campaign, deliberately seeking controversy.
- (rare, informal derivation)
adjective
British English
- He has a marmite quality that divides audiences.
- It was a marmite performance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'The CEO's new strategy is real marmite within the board.'
Academic
Used in sociology/media studies to describe polarising cultural phenomena.
Everyday
'Do you want marmite on your toast?'
Technical
Rare, except in food science contexts discussing glutamates and yeast extracts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “marmite”
- Using 'marmite' as an adjective without a noun (e.g., 'His opinion was very marmite' – incorrect). Correct: 'He is a marmite character.'
- Capitalisation: The food product is a trademark 'Marmite', but the metaphorical use is often lower-case 'marmite'.
- Assuming US audiences understand the term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, standard Marmite is vegan and vegetarian, made from yeast extract.
No, the 'marmite' metaphor specifically requires a polarising 'love-it-or-hate-it' dynamic, not just widespread dislike.
They are similar yeast extract spreads. Marmite (UK) is slightly sweeter, stickier, and has a different spice blend. Vegemite (Australia) is denser, smoother, and has a stronger, more bitter flavour.
When a brand name enters general language as a metaphor (a process called genericisation), it often loses its capital letter, following the pattern of words like 'escalator' or 'thermos'.
A thick, dark brown, salty yeast extract spread, a British food product with a very strong, distinctive flavour.
Marmite is usually informal in culinary context; formal metaphorical use is possible in journalism, political commentary, and business writing. in register.
Marmite: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːmaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːrmaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be a bit of Marmite”
- “the Marmite effect”
- “a Marmite figure/issue”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MARMITE: My Auntie Ruth Made Intensely Tasty (but) Extreme sandwiches.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SUBSTANCE WITH A POLARISING TASTE IS A PERSON/IDEA THAT PROVOKES EXTREME REACTIONS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'marmite' most likely to be understood in its metaphorical sense?