Marination, also known as marinating, is the process of soaking foods in a seasoned, often acidic, liquid before cooking. The origins of the word allude to the use of brine (aqua marina) in the pickling process, which led to the technique of adding flavor by immersion in liquid. The liquid in question, the 'marinade' can be acidic with ingredients such as vinegar, lemon juice, or wine, or savory with soy sauce, brine or other prepared sauces.

Along with these liquids, a marinade often contains oils, herbs, and spices to further flavor the food items. It is commonly used to flavor foods and to tenderize tougher cuts of meat or harder vegetables such as beetroot, aubergine (eggplant), and courgette (zucchini) . The process may last seconds or days.

Different marinades are used in different cuisines. For example, in Indian cuisine the marinade is usually prepared with yoghurt and spices. In meats, the acid causes the tissue to break down, allowing more moisture to be absorbed and giving a juicier end product .

However, too much acid can be detrimental to the end product. A good marinade will have a delicate balance of spices, acids, and oil. Often confused with marinating, "macerating" is a similar form of food preparation.

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