shiitake

noun

shii·​ta·​ke shē-ˈtä-kē How to pronounce shiitake (audio)
variants or less commonly shitake
: a dark Asian mushroom (Lentinula edodes of the family Omphalotaceae) widely cultivated especially on woods of the beech family for its edible flavorful tan to brown cap

Examples of shiitake 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.
Add shiitake mushroom stems, leek greens and peppercorns; simmer for 15 minutes to make stock. Faye Levy, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025 Usually made with thinly sliced beef, this version had a mix of king trumpet and shiitake mushrooms. Irene Milanez, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2025 Amy Westerman's blog Food Adventures With Amy expanded the description: the chicken was cut into small cubes and the dish also included shiitake mushrooms, onions and black bean chile sauce. Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 17 June 2025 There's a new burger in town: Cheeseburgers with pickled shiitakes. Laura L. Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for shiitake

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, from shii, the Japanese chinquapin + take mushroom

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shiitake was in 1877

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shiitake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shiitake. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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