extra-virgin

adjective

ex·​tra-vir·​gin ˈek-strə-ˈvər-jən How to pronounce extra-virgin (audio)
: being a virgin olive oil that is lowest in acidity and highest in quality

Examples of extra-virgin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Just stir together pantry staples: soy sauce for savoriness and depth, balsamic glaze for sweetness and tartness and extra-virgin olive oil to accentuate the fruity flavors of the Tunisian chile paste. Eric Kim, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2023 Set an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat and drizzle in extra-virgin olive oil, making sure the bottom is fully coated. Katie Button, Bon Appétit, 12 Sep. 2023 Served in a low soup bowl, with a bit of zucchini, a few basil leaves and an all-important drizzle of fruity extra-virgin olive oil, this easy preparation really satisfies. David Tanis, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2023 The resulting oil is lighter in color, almost neutral in flavor, and able to withstand a higher temperature than extra-virgin olive oil. Micah A Leal, Southern Living, 12 July 2023 Ingredients 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon lemon zest plus 3 Tbsp. Julia Levy, Southern Living, 6 July 2023 Lemon Olive Oil Cake: Substitute extra-virgin olive oil for the vegetable oil. Genevieve Ko, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2023 Balsamic-Lemon Vinaigrette (Pareve) Makes about ¾ cup Ingredients: ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 2 Tbsp. Ethel G. Hofman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2023 With good extra-virgin olive oil and flaky sea salt, the rustic flavor of focaccia is there, without the dense, heavy middle. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'extra-virgin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of extra-virgin was in 1976

Dictionary Entries Near extra-virgin

Cite this Entry

“Extra-virgin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extra-virgin. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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