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

End the day with a ribeye or filet mignon at Ducey’s On the Lake, a waterfront steakhouse that’s part of The Pines Resort. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026

Edward’s new Adana filet saute is reminiscent of Iraqi beef chillifry and Turkish et sote, with strips of filet mignon sautéed with onions, tomatoes, pepper paste and a touch of Persian curry powder. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Once trimmed, a whole tenderloin yields filet mignon, grilling steaks, and trim for stir-fries or ground beef. — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 18 July 2026

The filet mignon stays classy and restrained, while the dry-aged New York strip and ribeye lean deeper into the richness people come to steakhouses for in the first place. — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 13 July 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"