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

It’s then finished off with sliced persimmon, thyme leaves, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar glaze and a pinch of flaky sea salt.

From Salon

The balsamic vinegar is outstanding, and the Spanish-style Arbequina oil has a delicious, buttery flavor.

From Los Angeles Times

They can also be added to an omelette or roasted on their own and finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

From Salon

Balsamic vinegar paired with fresh strawberries is a match made in heaven.

From Salon

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