vinegary adjective3 •Sour; like vinegar.When Martha reopened the bottle of wine from the previous week's party, a vinegary whiff indicated that drinking it was out of the question.Cherry Jones as Nan Pierce (2023), 42:42 from the start, in Succession, season 4, episode 1: “I like my wine thin and vinegary.” •Of a liquid, having turned partially or fully to vinegar. •(figurative) Acerbic, bitter, irritable.Edward's maiden aunt was a vinegary old soul with a sharp tongue and quick temper; she would not be receiving a wedding invitation. formsmore vinegary · most vinegary