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

Also the butteriest rolls in town, hearty greens in a punchy vinaigrette, and more. — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026

The Maroon toro buljol is a polished interpretation, with translucent slices of toro and hamachi in a pool of Sungold tomato vinaigrette. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Dress it with the apple vinaigrette right before serving so the greens stay crisp. — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 25 Oct. 2026

Toss thoroughly, drizzle with lemon vinaigrette, toss again, and taste. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 10 Oct. 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