filet mignon

noun

fi·​let mi·​gnon ˌfi-(ˌ)lā-mēn-ˈyōⁿ 

fi-ˌlā-, 

-mēn-ˈyän 

plural filets mignons ˌfi-(ˌ)lā-mēn-ˈyōⁿz 

fi-ˌlā-, 

-mēn-ˈyänz

: a thick slice of beef cut from the narrow end of a beef tenderloin

Examples of filet mignon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Her menu mingles brandy-scented shrimp or filet mignon rolled with prosciutto, Parmigiano-Reggiano, caramelized onions, sage and rosemary with tagliolini sauced with pomodoro or lemon cream. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026

Cuts include filet mignon, Wagyu sirloin, and ribeye. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026

The restaurant offers fine dining dishes, like beef Wellington, seafood sauté, filet mignon and vegetable risotto. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Diners will have a choice of four appetizers, including bluefin crudo or and-cut agnolotti with black truffles, five entrées including filet mignon, diver scallops or roasted squash and risotto, and dessert. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, dainty fillet

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for filet mignon

• chignon
• lignin

Kids Definition

filet mignon

noun

fi·​let mi·​gnon ˌfil-(ˌ)ā-mēn-ˈyän 

fi-ˌlā-

plural filets mignons -mēn-ˈyänz 

: a thick slice of beef cut from the narrow end of a tenderloin

Etymology

French, literally, "dainty fillet"