vinegar

noun

vin·​e·​gar ˈvi-ni-gər 

1

: a sour liquid obtained by fermentation of dilute alcoholic liquids and used as a condiment or preservative

2

: ill humor : sourness

3

: vim

Synonyms of vinegar

• juice
• energy
• vigor
• gas
• starch
• beans
• ginger
• life
• dash

Examples of vinegar in a Sentence

glad to see his old friend was still full of vinegar after so many years

Recent Examples on the Web

Hot Sauce Spiciness without many calories or sugar Most traditional bottled hot sauces are very low in calories, with their main ingredients being chili peppers, vinegar, and salt. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 28 Dec. 2025

The vinegar’s acidity could damage or dull the finish on a black faucet over time. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025

Chopping the cabbage super fine is the key to replicating that famous KFC texture, and a creamy mayo dressing boosted with vinegar, buttermilk, and just a whisper of grated onion pulls it together into sweet-tangy balance. —Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Dec. 2025

Black currant was seen in liqueur in Europe, a vinegar in Australia and as a pork glaze in Singapore. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 9 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English vinegre, from Anglo-French vin egre, from vin wine (from Latin vinum) + egre keen, sour — more at eager

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing vinegar

• balsamic vinegar
• cider vinegar
• mother of vinegar
• spit and vinegar
• vinegar eel
• vinegar fly
• wine vinegar

Kids Definition

vinegar

noun

vin·​e·​gar ˈvin-i-gər 

: a sour liquid obtained from cider, wine, or malt and used to flavor or preserve foods

Etymology

Middle English vinegre "vinegar," from early French vin egre (same meaning), literally, "sour wine," from vin "wine" and egre "sharp, sour, eager"; vin from Latin vinum "wine" and egre from Latin acer "sharp, sour, spirited" — related to eager, vine, vintage

Medical Definition

vinegar

noun

vin·​e·​gar ˈvin-i-gər 

1

: a sour liquid used as a condiment or a preservative that is obtained by acetic fermentation of dilute alcoholic liquids (as fermented cider, malt beer, or wine) or of dilute distilled alcohol

2

: a pharmaceutical solution of the active principles of drugs in dilute acetic acid usually prepared by maceration

aromatic vinegar