mignonette

noun

mi·​gnon·​ette ˌmin-yə-ˈnet 

1

: any of a genus (Reseda of the family Resedaceae, the mignonette family) of herbs

especially : a garden annual (R. odorata) bearing racemes of fragrant whitish flowers

2

: a sauce made typically with vinegar, pepper, and herbs and served especially with oysters

Illustration of mignonette

• mignonette 1

Examples of mignonette in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For seafood with Mediterranean flair, head indoors at Maykana to Gaia for an eco-friendly feast with stunning views—try the local catch of the day with your choice of flavorful sauce, such as a hibiscus mignonette or leche de tigre. —AFAR Media, 23 Oct. 2025

Teaming fresh ginger and lime juice with a handful of pantry staples, this golden mignonette ups the umami while still letting the oyster shine. —Derick Wade, Saveur, 15 Oct. 2025

The sea, ever-churning just outside the beach house, but no longer busy being stared at by Conrad for hours on end, spewed forth an offering of fresh oysters with watermelon mignonette. —Rachel Handler, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025

The Lolita or mignonette style isn’t just influencing clothing, but also beauty and accessories. —Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French mignonnette, from obsolete French, feminine of mignonnet dainty, from Middle French, from mignon darling

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1