Definition

1. Noun:
   • A salad dressing consisting of oil and vinegar with mustard and garlic: "French dressing" refers to a specific type of salad dressing, typically an emulsion of oil and vinegar or lemon juice, seasoned with mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. It is distinct from the creamy, tomato-based dressing sometimes called "French dressing" in some regions.

Usage

• "French dressing" is used as a mass noun (uncountable) to refer to the condiment itself.
• It is commonly used as a topping for green salads.

Examples

• Noun:
  • For the side salad, I prefer a light French dressing.
  • The recipe for classic French dressing calls for Dijon mustard and a clove of garlic.

Advanced Usage

• "to dress a salad with French dressing": to toss or coat a salad with this specific vinaigrette.
  • She dressed the bitter greens with a sharp French dressing.

Variants and Related Words

• Vinaigrette (n): A broader term for a dressing made from oil and vinegar, of which a classic French dressing is one type.
• Salad dressing (n): The general category for all dressings used on salads.

Synonyms

• Vinaigrette: Especially when referring to the oil-and-vinegar base.
• Salad oil dressing: A more generic descriptive term.

Notes on Meaning

• In American English, "French dressing" can sometimes refer to a sweet, red, tomato-based dressing. However, the primary and more traditional definition, as given, is for the vinaigrette-style dressing with mustard and garlic. The context usually makes the meaning clear.

Noun

1. oil and vinegar with mustard and garlic