steak

noun

ˈstāk 

plural steaks

1

a

: a slice of meat cut from a fleshy part of a beef carcass

b

: a similar slice of a specified meat other than beef

ham steak

c

: a cross-section slice of a large fish

swordfish steak

d

: a thick slice or piece of a non-meat food especially when prepared or served in the manner of a beef steak

tofu/portobello steaks

a cauliflower steak

2

a

: ground beef prepared for cooking or for serving in the manner of a steak

hamburger steak

b

: a non-meat food formed into a patty and cooked

lentil steak

wild mushroom steak

Examples of steak in a Sentence

I grilled a steak for dinner.

We had steak and potatoes for dinner.

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to selling hefty hamburgers, Bad Boy’s menu offers sandwiches such as a chicken or Philly, plus finger steaks, fries and salads. —Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 13 Dec. 2025

So, in addition to Italian-American fare, there’s also a selection of steaks — from marinated skirt steaks to Japanese wagyu and lots of beefy choices in between. —Liz Schubauer, Nashville Tennessean, 12 Dec. 2025

And the food is always a cut above, with menu items ranging from USDA Prime steaks and Wagyu filets, to crab legs, lobster, lamb chops and more. —Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2025

Beef prices are on the rise—and so is the cost of steak on your plate. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English steke, from Old Norse steik; akin to Old Norse steikja to roast on a stake, stik stick, stake — more at stick

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing steak

• carpetbag steak
• chicken-fried steak
• club steak
• cube steak
• Delmonico steak
• flank steak
• hanger steak
• minute steak
• rib eye steak
• round steak
• Salisbury steak
• shell steak
• skirt steak
• steak house
• steak knife
• steak tartare
• Swiss steak
• T-bone steak

Rhymes for steak

• ache
• ake
• bake
• brake
• break
• cake
• craik
• crake
• fake
• flake
• hake
• jake

Kids Definition

steak

noun

ˈstāk 

1

: a slice of meat and especially beef

2

: a slice of a large fish (as swordfish)