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

As Nigella Lawson famously wrote in her first cookbook, “The balsamic vinegar seems to make the red of the strawberries against it shine with the clarity of stained-glass windows.”

From Salon • May 23, 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

Cherry and Hawaiian jalapeño jarred jellies from Rose City Pepperheads, candied bacon and Thai lime spices from Spiceology and fig balsamic vinegar from O Olive Oil & Vinegar accompanied the plants.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 13, 2023

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

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan