balsamic

American  

[bawl-som-ik, ‐-sam‐] / bɔlˈsɒm ɪk, ‐ˈsæm‐ /

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.

Etymology

Origin of balsamic

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

balsamic

Before she left, she filled multiple bags with pesto, pasta, Parmigiano reggiano cheese, balsamic vinegar and salt, and made it last back home before she returned to Italy, this time in Florence, in February 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 8, 2026

The buttery, milder fish compliments the tang of the tomatoes and the bright balsamic dressing that finishes the salad.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

Their Brussels sprout appetizer with balsamic glaze is amazing.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 3, 2026

The olive oil and balsamic meld everything into a glossy, lightly slick coating, while the oranges lend an unexpected pop of perfume that makes each bite feel simultaneously grounded and electric.

From Salon ● Dec. 18, 2025

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

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan