balsamic vinegar

American  

[bawl-som-ik vin-i-ger, ‐-sam‐] / bɔlˈsɒm ɪk ˌvɪn ɪ gər, ‐ˈsæm‐ /

1. a sweetish, aromatic vinegar made from the must of white grapes and aged in wood barrels.

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balsamic vinegar British  

noun

1. a type of dark-coloured sweet Italian vinegar made from white grapes and aged in wooden barrels over a number of years

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Etymology

Origin of balsamic vinegar

First recorded in 1980–85; translation of Italian aceto balsamico, literally, “restorative vinegar”; so called from its supposed medicinal effects, likened to balsam

Example Sentences

The appetizers, especially the charred grapes with mozzarella cheese and balsamic vinegar cream, were better than the main course.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

It’s then finished off with sliced persimmon, thyme leaves, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar glaze and a pinch of flaky sea salt.

From Salon • Sep. 6, 2025

According to the BBC Food, a little black pepper or balsamic vinegar helps to give them more flavour, while pairing them with some form of chilli can help balance the flavours out.

From BBC • May 18, 2025

It started showing up by A-list name in the fancy foods lists of the 1990s, a contemporary of balsamic vinegar and sun-dried tomatoes.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 23, 2024

Meanwhile he would explain the proper way to make pasta or salami or balsamic vinegar.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan