vinegar

noun

vin·​e·​gar ˈvi-ni-gər How to pronounce vinegar (audio)
Synonyms of vinegarnext
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

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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
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.
The shrimp is lightly charred on the grill, after gaining a nice boost of flavor from a garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and rice vinegar marinade. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 28 June 2025 First, mix two tablespoons of vinegar with a tablespoon of baking soda, then dilute the mixture with one cup of warm water. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025 To anyone who’s attempted (and failed) to make a smooth vinaigrette using only oil and vinegar, MAHA’s assertion that emulsifiers have no culinary use is an affront. — Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025 Use safe cleaning products: White vinegar is great to prevent slimy buildup. — Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for vinegar

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of vinegar was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing vinegar

Browse Nearby Words

vine fretter
vinegar
vinegared
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Cite this Entry

“Vinegar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vinegar. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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Kids Definition

vinegar

noun
vin·​e·​gar ˈvin-i-gər How to pronounce vinegar (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce vinegar (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on vinegar

Nglish: Translation of vinegar for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vinegar

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