steak

noun

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
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.
Showcasing local ingredients, the menu at The Bistro & Wine Bar leans French–inspired, with beloved classics such as steak frites and French onion soup. Veronica M. Stoddart, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026 For a delicious bite near the park, try The Lumber Yard Restaurant for steak and seafood, or Letchworth Waffles for a sweet treat. Taryn White, USA Today, 29 June 2026 The first was an older gentleman who had eaten a steak at a beachside restaurant in Sydney. Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Besides barbecue and seafood, the menu features classic comfort foods like burgers, hotdogs and hamburger steak. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for steak

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of steak was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Steak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steak. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

steak

noun
1
: a slice of meat and especially beef
2
: a slice of a large fish (as swordfish)

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