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

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

In addition to dessert, dinner was served buffet style, and people could choose from pasta, sushi, chicken, salads, filet mignon, and an array of different cuisines, including Chinese, Italian, and American, per TMZ. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 9 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"