What does mayonnaise mean?
Mayonnaise is a thick, creamy condiment made by emulsifying egg yolk with oil, typically with vinegar or lemon juice. The process of emulsification allows the oil and watery ingredients to combine into a smooth mixture that does not immediately separate. Mayonnaise is used in sandwiches, burgers, salads, potato dishes, and many other foods, as well as serving as the foundation of sauces and dressings. It is usually treated as an uncountable mass noun, with quantities expressed through phrases such as “a spoonful of mayonnaise” or “a jar of mayonnaise.” In everyday English, particularly in the United States, the shortened form “mayo” is very common. Although the condiment is now international, its English name comes through French and is associated with Mahón, the principal town of Menorca. The word is useful for understanding a familiar food and the broader history of European culinary terminology.
nounA thick, creamy sauce made by emulsifying egg yolk with oil, usually with an acidic ingredient such as vinegar or lemon juice. It is commonly used in sandwiches, salads, and as a base for other sauces.
- A thick, creamy condiment made from egg yolk, oil, and an acidic ingredient.
"She brushed the warm bread with mayonnaise and added crisp lettuce."
"He added mayonnaise and mustard to the sandwich."
"The recipe calls for two tablespoons of mayonnaise mixed with chopped herbs."
Rare; mayonnaise is normally an uncountable mass noun. The plural may be used for distinct varieties or quantities.
"The buffet featured three mayonnaises, including one made with roasted garlic."
Mayonnaise’s name is famously associated with Mahón on Menorca, although the precise story behind that connection is disputed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of mayonnaise
The English word entered from French in the early 19th century, retaining the French spelling “mayonnaise.” The French name is generally connected with Mahón, the principal town of the Mediterranean island of Menorca, although popular accounts of the precise naming history remain disputed.
How mayonnaise is actually used
Mayonnaise is normally an uncountable mass noun, so it takes no plural in ordinary usage. The informal shortened form “mayo” is especially common in American English and in casual speech generally.
Easily confused with mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a smooth egg-and-oil emulsion, while aioli is traditionally a garlic-flavoured emulsion that may also contain egg.