vinaigrette

noun

vin·​ai·​grette ˌvi-ni-ˈgret How to pronounce vinaigrette (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the favourite dish of the squad so far was salmon tataki with brown butter vinaigrette, white soy, yuzu and honey. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 29 June 2026 Cucumbers and melon soak up a tangy lime-lemon-shallot vinaigrette and are topped with feta cheese. Patricia S York, Southern Living, 27 June 2026 Keep a jar of this Parmesan-herb vinaigrette in your fridge for salads or to make a humdrum turkey or salami sandwich taste like one from your neighborhood deli. Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 26 June 2026 Mix corn, tomatoes and vinaigrette together in a bowl and spoon over the lettuce leaves. Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for vinaigrette

Word History

Etymology

French, from vinaigre vinegar

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of vinaigrette was in 1811

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Cite this Entry

“Vinaigrette.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vinaigrette. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

vinaigrette

noun
vin·​ai·​grette ˌvin-i-ˈgret How to pronounce vinaigrette (audio)
: a sauce made of oil, vinegar, and seasonings and used especially on salads, cold meats, or fish

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