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

Fresh zucchini ribbons get a flavorful upgrade with an olive oil and za'atar seasoning vinaigrette. —Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2025

But the salads, like the bracing cabbage salad with coconut vinaigrette, chilis and plenty of fresh herbs, may be the restaurant's sleeper hits. —Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

Evenly distribute the mozzarella on top and then drizzle the vinaigrette over everything. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2025

The everything-spiced deviled eggs and the arugula panzanella salad with red-wine vinaigrette. —Paul Rubio, AFAR Media, 23 June 2025

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