balsamic vinegar

[ bawl-som-ik vin-i-ger, ‐-sam‐ ]

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

balsamic vinegar

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of balsamic vinegar¹

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

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

The balsamic vinegar may also seem like an odd ingredient, but it’s a great stand-in for malty, subtly sweet Chinese black vinegar that’s made from rice.

From Washington Times

As the sliced squash roasts in the oven - you don’t even need to peel it - we build a tangy-sweet sauce with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, rosemary, red pepper flakes and raisins.

From Washington Times

In a farm nestled in the high desert of central New Mexico, Steve and Jane Darland have spent the past few decades crafting Italian-style balsamic vinegar with only one ingredient: certified organic Italian grapes raised on the Darlands’ land.

From Los Angeles Times

The resulting balsamic vinegar is incredibly viscous with a nuanced flavor.

From Los Angeles Times