mayonnaise

American  

[mey-uh-neyz, mey-uh-neyz] / ˌmeɪ əˈneɪz, ˈmeɪ əˌneɪz /

noun

1. a thick dressing of egg yolks, vinegar or lemon juice, oil, and seasonings, used for salads, sandwiches, vegetable dishes, etc.

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mayonnaise British  

/ ˌmeɪəˈneɪz /

noun

1. a thick creamy sauce made from egg yolks, oil, and vinegar or lemon juice, eaten with salads, eggs, etc

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Etymology

Origin of mayonnaise

1835–45; < French, equivalent to mayon (perhaps variant of Mahón, town in Minorca) + -aise -ese

Compare meaning

How does mayonnaise compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• aioli vs. mayonnaise

Example Sentences

McCormick is putting up $29.1 billion in stock and $15.7 billion in cash, and will own 35% of the combined company that includes Unilever’s signature food brands such as Hellmann’s mayonnaise and Knorr soup mixes.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Its food labels include Hellmann’s mayonnaise and Knorr soup mixes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The pair, who live in a cramped studio apartment in a crumbling colonial-era building, can’t afford butter or mayonnaise, so breakfast is a piece of plain bread.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

The key factor that improves nutrient absorption is pairing it with olive oil, mayonnaise or another oil-based dressing.

From Science Daily • Dec. 8, 2025

I put together four thick sandwiches with cold cuts, American cheese, and lots of mustard and mayonnaise.

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings