variants
or less commonly filet
fi-ˈlā 
ˈfi-(ˌ)lā
1
: a ribbon or narrow strip of material used especially as a headband
2
a
: a thin narrow strip of material
b
: a piece or slice of boneless meat or fish
especially
: the tenderloin of beef
3
a
: a concave junction formed where two surfaces meet (as at an angle)
b
: a strip that gives a rounded appearance to such a junction
also
: a strip to reinforce the corner where two surfaces meet
4
: a narrow flat architectural member:
a
: a flat molding separating others
b
: the space between two flutings (see flute entry 1 sense 3) in a shaft
filleted; filleting; fillets
Examples of fillet in a Sentence
Noun
a juicy fillet of beef
Verb
He carefully filleted the fish with a sharp knife.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, fresh fillets may be more expensive, whether they’re farm-raised or wild-caught.
—Simon Spichak, Health, 1 Oct. 2025
Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 1 Oct. 2025
Still, the Broncos will need a more nimble effort from both Strnad and starting ILB Alex Singleton against the Chargers in coverage, after Daniel Jones and the Colts filleted the middle of Denver’s defense last week.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fillet
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Noun
So, in addition to chicken skewers or fish fillets, the grill can tackle roast pork tenderloins and vegetables in the same batch.
—Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, fresh fillets may be more expensive, whether they’re farm-raised or wild-caught.
—Simon Spichak, Health, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
Fishmongers in bloody aprons stopped filleting to greet me.
—Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 1 Oct. 2025
Still, the Broncos will need a more nimble effort from both Strnad and starting ILB Alex Singleton against the Chargers in coverage, after Daniel Jones and the Colts filleted the middle of Denver’s defense last week.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fillet
Cite this Entry
“Fillet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fillet. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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