vinaigrette

noun

vin·​ai·​grette ˌvi-ni-ˈgret 

1

: a sauce made typically of oil, vinegar, and seasonings and used especially on salads, cold meats, or fish

called also vinaigrette dressing

2

: a small ornamental box or bottle with perforated top used for holding an aromatic preparation (such as smelling salts)

Examples of vinaigrette in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For brightness and crunch, the salad is tossed with a citrus vinaigrette and, just before serving, garnished with cilantro and smoked almonds. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025

The dish is finished with a shortcut pesto vinaigrette. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2025

Balsamic Vinaigrette As a versatile dressing, balsamic vinaigrette has a distinct tart and acidic taste that is typically lower in calories, sodium, and sugar. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 10 July 2025

During Houston Restaurant Weeks, start with the incredible jicama salad with pepita vinaigrette and pickled mango and/or the Texas wagyu carpaccio with aged gouda and pickled strawberries. —Rebecca Deurlein, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from vinaigre vinegar

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for vinaigrette

• alphabet
• arpanet
• bayonet
• biuret
• cigarette
• clarinet
• coronet
• coverlet
• dataset
• epithet
• ethernet
• heavyset

Kids Definition

vinaigrette

noun

vin·​ai·​grette ˌvin-i-ˈgret 

: a sauce made of oil, vinegar, and seasonings and used especially on salads, cold meats, or fish