aioli: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/MediumFormal/Culinary
Quick answer
What does “aioli” mean?
A thick, garlic-flavored sauce from Provençal cuisine, made from garlic, olive oil, egg yolks, and lemon juice, similar to mayonnaise.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thick, garlic-flavored sauce from Provençal cuisine, made from garlic, olive oil, egg yolks, and lemon juice, similar to mayonnaise.
Sometimes used more broadly to refer to any flavored mayonnaise or emulsified sauce, especially in contemporary or fusion cuisine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is used primarily in food writing and higher-end restaurant contexts in both regions.
Connotations
Conveys authenticity, Mediterranean cuisine, and rustic, strong flavors. In the US, might be slightly more trendy or menu-specific.
Frequency
More frequent in UK food media and restaurants due to closer proximity to French cuisine. In the US, common in foodie culture and specific restaurant menus.
Grammar
How to Use “aioli” in a Sentence
[Dish] is served with aioli.[Dish] comes with a side of aioli.The [dish] was accompanied by a garlic aioli.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aioli” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The grilled vegetables were perfectly complemented by a rich, garlicky aioli.
- This recipe for authentic aioli requires a mortar and pestle.
American English
- The fish tacos came with a chipotle aioli that was fantastic.
- You can find aioli on the menu of most upscale burger joints here.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in hospitality/food industry marketing.
Academic
Used in culinary history or cultural studies papers.
Everyday
Used when discussing recipes or dining at specific restaurants.
Technical
Used in professional cookery to specify the authentic emulsified sauce.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “aioli”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “aioli”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aioli”
- Pronouncing it 'ay-oh-lee'.
- Using it for any mayonnaise-based sauce without garlic.
- Spelling as 'aiolli' or 'aioly'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In common usage, yes. However, purists argue traditional aioli (from Provence) contains only garlic, olive oil, and salt, emulsified without egg, making it distinct from mayonnaise.
In British English: /aɪˈəʊ.li/ (eye-OH-lee). In American English: /aɪˈoʊ.li/ (eye-OH-lee) or sometimes /eɪˈoʊ.li/ (ay-OH-lee).
Yes, the most traditional Provençal version uses only garlic, salt, and olive oil, emulsified through vigorous pounding. Modern versions often include egg yolks for stability.
Rouille is a similar Provençal sauce, but it includes breadcrumbs, chili pepper, and often saffron or fish stock, giving it a rust-colored ('rouille') appearance and a different flavor profile.
A thick, garlic-flavored sauce from Provençal cuisine, made from garlic, olive oil, egg yolks, and lemon juice, similar to mayonnaise.
Aioli is usually formal/culinary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Build your aioli (metaphor for creating something strong from basic components).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AI' (as in 'I') + 'OLI' (sounds like 'olly'). 'I, Olly, love garlic sauce.'
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH/FLAVOR IS GARLIC (The defining, potent component).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining ingredient of a true aioli, without which it would be a different sauce?