1 vinegar | Definition of vinegar

vinegar

noun
vin·​e·​gar | \ ˈvi-ni-gər How to pronounce vinegar (audio) \

Definition of vinegar

1 : a sour liquid obtained by fermentation of dilute alcoholic liquids and used as a condiment or preservative
2 : ill humor : sourness
3 : vim

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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

Add vinegar and continue cooking, stirring until liquid has evaporated. — Darlene Zimmerman, Detroit Free Press, "Black Bean and Corn Enchilada Casserole: Fiber rich and vegetarian," 7 Sep. 2019 Add a little vinegar to the water to remove gunk on your dishes and get them nice and clean. — Heloise, Washington Post, "Hints From Heloise: Economical corn chowder," 4 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vinegar.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of vinegar

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for vinegar

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

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More Definitions for vinegar

vinegar

noun

English Language Learners Definition of vinegar

: a sour liquid that is used to flavor or preserve foods or to clean things

vinegar

noun
vin·​e·​gar | \ ˈvi-ni-gər How to pronounce vinegar (audio) \

Kids Definition of vinegar

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

vinegar

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

Medical Definition of vinegar

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

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