vinegar

noun

vin·​e·​gar ˈvi-ni-gər 

1

: a sour liquid obtained by fermentation of dilute alcoholic liquids and used as a condiment or preservative

2

: ill humor : sourness

3

: vim

Synonyms of vinegar

• juice
• energy
• vigor
• gas
• starch
• beans
• ginger
• life
• dash

Examples of vinegar in a Sentence

glad to see his old friend was still full of vinegar after so many years

Recent Examples on the Web

The scent of vinegar fills the set, and a crew member wanders by muttering about dyeing Easter eggs. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026

Peppery apricot Whisk together 3 tablespoons apricot preserves, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar and coarsely cracked black pepper. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026

Whisk lemon juice, rice vinegar, avocado oil, honey, salt and pepper in a measuring cup, then pour dressing over vegetables and toss well. —Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2026

Combine the sesame oil, vinegar, sambal oelek, fish sauce, green onions, garlic, and ginger in a medium mixing bowl. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English vinegre, from Anglo-French vin egre, from vin wine (from Latin vinum) + egre keen, sour — more at eager

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing vinegar

• balsamic vinegar
• cider vinegar
• mother of vinegar
• spit and vinegar
• vinegar eel
• vinegar fly
• wine vinegar

Kids Definition

vinegar

noun

vin·​e·​gar ˈvin-i-gər 

: a sour liquid obtained from cider, wine, or malt and used to flavor or preserve foods

Etymology

Middle English vinegre "vinegar," from early French vin egre (same meaning), literally, "sour wine," from vin "wine" and egre "sharp, sour, eager"; vin from Latin vinum "wine" and egre from Latin acer "sharp, sour, spirited" — related to eager, vine, vintage

Medical Definition

vinegar

noun

vin·​e·​gar ˈvin-i-gər 

1

: a sour liquid used as a condiment or a preservative that is obtained by acetic fermentation of dilute alcoholic liquids (as fermented cider, malt beer, or wine) or of dilute distilled alcohol

2

: a pharmaceutical solution of the active principles of drugs in dilute acetic acid usually prepared by maceration

aromatic vinegar