extra-virgin

adjective

ex·​tra-vir·​gin ˈek-strə-ˈvər-jən How to pronounce extra-virgin (audio)
: being a virgin olive oil that is lowest in acidity and highest in quality

Examples of extra-virgin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The sweet alliums are cooked with cilantro and extra-virgin olive oil until tender, then tucked into thin dumpling wrappers that are folded into half-moons and steamed for exactly 10 minutes — any longer and the dough could break. — Warren Rojas, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026 Red wine vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil are great starting points, but this is an excellent place to let the rest of your ingredients steer. — Lillian Syme, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026 Replace butter with extra-virgin olive oil to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. — Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2026 Experts and scientific research suggest that extra-virgin olive oil is the healthiest for your heart. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extra-virgin

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of extra-virgin was in 1976

Rhymes for extra-virgin

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Browse Nearby Words

extravehicular
extra-virgin
extravisceral
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Cite this Entry

“Extra-virgin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extra-virgin. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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