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

Balsamic Vinaigrette Balsamic vinaigrette is a versatile dressing with a tart, acidic flavor. — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 17 July 2026

Enhance orzo with herbs, vegetables, cheese, or vinaigrette for salads, or add it to soups 10 minutes before serving. — Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2026

In a large bowl combine vinaigrette, orange marmalade and mayonnaise. — Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 8 July 2026

Guests are encouraged to mix and match the vinaigrettes into a mess of hues, a nod to abstractionist Jackson Pollock. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 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