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

Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup’s richness. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026

Drizzle it into balsamic vinaigrette, or take the plunge and whip it into caramel pots de crème. —Kristen Hartke, Saveur, 12 Mar. 2026

At the moment, the seasonal menu highlights crudos like tuna tartare with apple, celery puree and black truffle; red shrimp with mango and citron dressing; tuna and salmon with avocado mousse and lemon vinaigrette. —Connie Ogle march 11, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

Toss in a warm bacon vinaigrette and top with hunks of goat cheese for a rich, filling main that’s not short on flavor. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 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