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

This recipe, made with fresh crabmeat and a citrusy vinaigrette, says hello to warmer weather. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026

Fuji Apple Chicken- Mixed greens and romaine lettuce tossed in a sweet white balsamic vinaigrette. —Julia Gomez, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026

Sprawling communal tables adorned with floral arrangements allowed guests to mingle and connect as dinner service began with a stunning amuse-bouche of crispy nori with daikon tartare, maple vinaigrette, and hoja santa—an herb with a complex flavor reminiscent of licorice and anise. —Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026

Serve with fresh lettuces, orange slices, avocado, carrot ribbons, and sprouts, and dress it with a wasabi vinaigrette. —Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 20 Feb. 2026

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