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

Today’s recipe When the summer New York City heat turned his ripe summer tomatoes into a juicy heirloom mush, The Times’ cooking editor Cody Reiss created this recipe for pancetta, tomato and pickled pepper vinaigrette. — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

They can also be tossed with vinaigrette for a summery salad or grilled on skewers for an elegant summer side. — Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Aug. 2026

The vinaigrette for your panzanella should taste a little punchier than one intended for tender lettuce. — Lillian Syme, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026

Pair them with a simple vinaigrette so their flavor isn’t overpowered. — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from vinaigre vinegar

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for vinaigrette

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

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