vinaigrette

noun

vin·​ai·​grette ˌvi-ni-ˈgret How to pronounce vinaigrette (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Christmas hams, party cocktails, elegant layer cakes, and cookout classics fill the dictionaries of Southern family recipes, but one of my favorites is a simple vinaigrette from my grandmother. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 21 June 2025 It’s already commonly featured in things like mole, a traditional Mexican sauce that combines chili peppers and cocoa, among other ingredients, but can also elevate dishes where it’s not typically used—like in a rich and earthy vinaigrette or in chili where its bitter notes will add extra depth. Audrey Bruno, SELF, 18 June 2025 Advance Preparation: Potato Salad: Up to three days in advance prepare the vinaigrette dressing; cover and refrigerate. Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 16 June 2025 Drizzle with some of the remaining vinaigrette. Cut the eggs in half crosswise. Georgeanne Brennan, Mercury News, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for vinaigrette

Word History

Etymology

French, from vinaigre vinegar

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of vinaigrette was in 1811

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Cite this Entry

“Vinaigrette.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vinaigrette. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

vinaigrette

noun
vin·​ai·​grette ˌvin-i-ˈgret How to pronounce vinaigrette (audio)
: a sauce made of oil, vinegar, and seasonings and used especially on salads, cold meats, or fish

More from Merriam-Webster on vinaigrette

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