vinegary

[ vin-i-guh-ree ]

adjective

1. of the nature of or resembling vinegar; sour; acid:

   a vinegary taste.

2. having a disagreeable character or manner; crabbed; ill-tempered:

   a vinegary person.

ˈvinegary

/ ˈvɪnɪɡərɪ /

adjective

1. containing vinegar; tasting of or like vinegar
2. bad-tempered, sour, or peevish

Word History and Origins

Origin of vinegary¹

First recorded in 1720–30; vinegar + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Trouble in Mind'Out of the distinguished and all too neglected archives of great American plays springs Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of Alice Childress’s vinegary backstage comedy-drama.

From Washington Post

The end result will be less like vinaigrette and more like a very vinegary, thin mayonnaise.

From The Daily Beast

Mrs. Biggs had not expected Ruby Ann to call, and her face wore a vinegary expression when she opened the door to her.

From Project Gutenberg

I am weary of retired colonels with port-stained faces, and vinegary old maids, and unctuous canons.

From Project Gutenberg

It was astonishing what a sudden change came over her rather vinegary face as she recognized Max.

From Project Gutenberg

A vinegary old maid in the future—it would be all her own fault, and that of her mother's ridiculous vanity and indulgence.'

From Project Gutenberg

There was one vinegary old maid to whom he applied who gave me a cold chill.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• acid
• acidic
• acrid
• biting
• bitter
• briny
• caustic
• fermented
• musty
• peppery
• piquant
• pungent
• rancid
• sharp
• soured
• unpleasant