cruet

noun cru·et \ˈkrü-ət\

: a small glass bottle that is used at the table during meals to hold vinegar, oil, or sauce

: a container or set of containers used at the table during meals to hold salt, pepper, oil, etc.

Full Definition of CRUET

: a vessel to hold wine or water for the Eucharist

: a usually glass bottle used to hold a condiment (as oil or vinegar) for use at the table

See cruet defined for English-language learners

See cruet defined for kids

Middle English, from Anglo-French, diminutive of Old French crue, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle High German krūche pitcher — more at crock

First Known Use: 14th century

Next Word in the Dictionary: cruise (verb)Previous Word in the Dictionary: cruentousAll Words Near: cruet

What made you want to look up cruet? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears