balsamic

[ bawl-som-ik, ‐-sam‐ ]

noun

1. balsamic vinegar, an aromatic vinegar aged in wood barrels:

   a recipe for baked ham with balsamic, bourbon, and honey.

adjective

1. using balsamic vinegar as a primary ingredient:

   Drizzle the Brussels sprouts with balsamic dressing while they are still warm.

2. of the nature of, consisting of, or resembling balsam:

   Myrrh oil has a woody, balsamic scent when heated for aromatherapy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of balsamic¹

First recorded in 1680–90; balsam ( def ) + -ic ( def )

Example Sentences

In a small bowl, stir together the honey and balsamic vinegar until combined.

From Washington Post

If cornbread were to get a glow-up, I’m convinced that this blueberry-balsamic-glazed cornbread cake would be the result.

From Eater

She spikes honeydew and kiwi with perilla, and gilds ripe strawberries with basil and balsamic.

From Eater

Butter-Braised Radishes and Radish Greens With FarroThe roots and greens combine in this balsamic-drizzled grain dish.

From Washington Post

This dish combines them with their own greens plus grains and a balsamic drizzle.

From Washington Post

Now drizzle in the balsamic vinegar and slap your chicken around the bowl.

From The Daily Beast

Gaby Dalkin takes out her high-end olive oil and blends it with balsamic vinegar to pour over caprese salad.

From The Daily Beast

But the manager says turnover is high and that he sells out of even such pricey items as Pringles, Nescafe, and balsamic vinegar.

From The Daily Beast

The flavor of good, tart apples and aged balsamic vinegar makes a wonderfully savory yet light fall first course.

From The Daily Beast

I frequently used to visit the plantations of nutmegs and cloves, and refresh myself with their balsamic fragrance.

From Project Gutenberg

This Herb is such a sovereign Balsamic, that it cures Wounds almost with a touch, if taken in time.

From Project Gutenberg

They are all charged with only a balsamic, sugary acid, which is called Reinette-flavored.

From Project Gutenberg

They are not balsamic, like Order I., but of an aromatic flavor.

From Project Gutenberg

This, and the mild balsamic air made us especially feel that we had entered a southern climate.

From Project Gutenberg