meat-and-potatoes

adjective

|Updated on: 29 May 2018

Definition of meat-and-potatoes

1 : of fundamental importance : basic; also : concerned with or emphasizing the basic aspects of something

2 : unpretentious, simple

a real meat-and-potatoes guy

3 : providing or preferring simple food (such as meat and potatoes)

See meat-and-potatoes defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of meat-and-potatoes

1846

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

meat and potatoes

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

Definition of meat and potatoes

: the most interesting or fundamental part : meat 4

Recent Examples of meat and potatoes from the Web

This classic meat and potatoes combo is joined by sweet corn for crunch and the taste of summer ahead, then finished with a scattering of fresh thyme for a subtle, earthy sweetness.

— for kroger, The Courier-Journal, "It's outdoor dining season: celebrate with zesty grilling dinner packets," 26 May 2018
Newman cooks everything from meat and potatoes to vegan at pHuel, located in downtown Cleveland's Playhouse Square and near Cleveland Clinic's main campus.

— debbi snook, cleveland.com, "Cleveland chefs cook up surprises for families at Ronald McDonald House (photos, recipes)," 4 Apr. 2018
This is a great recipe for leftover meat and potatoes.

— linda gassenheimer, miamiherald, "New England specialty perfect for leftover meat, potatoes | Miami Herald," 2 Apr. 2018
This city is full of top-notch restaurants, and the meat and potato-loving crowds are finally warming up to more dynamic, ethnic and innovative food concepts.

— carrie goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Ultimate Guide to Pittsburgh, America's Most Underrated City," 17 Aug. 2016
The addition of lemon and white wine brings depth and brightness of flavor to an otherwise run-of-the-mill meal of meat and potatoes.

— cheryl slocum, Country Living, "Potatoes and Sausages with Olives, Lemon, and Parsley," 22 Dec. 2010
Vegan Mushroom Stout Pie and Potato Biscuits Swap your classic meat and potatoes combo with a vegan-friendly mushroom stout pie, like this one by Isa Chandra.

— blake bakkila, Health.com, "13 Healthy Food Swaps for St. Patrick's Day on Pinterest," 15 Mar. 2018
Guests are always impressed with the presentation, a festive turn on meat and potatoes.

— david tanis, sacbee, "Meat and potatoes get an upgrade | The Sacramento Bee," 19 Dec. 2017
Guests are always impressed with the presentation, a festive turn on meat and potatoes.

— david tanis, sacbee, "Meat and potatoes get an upgrade | The Sacramento Bee," 19 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'meat and potatoes.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of meat and potatoes

1951

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

MEAT-AND-POTATOES Defined for English Language Learners

meat-and-potatoes

adjective

Definition of meat-and-potatoes for English Language Learners

: of, relating to, or preferring simple food (such as meat and potatoes) instead of fancy food
: ordinary or simple

meat and potatoes

noun

Definition of meat and potatoes for English Language Learners

: the most basic or important part of something

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up meat-and-potatoes? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

meat-and-potatoes

Definition of meat-and-potatoes

First Known Use of meat-and-potatoes

meat and potatoes

Definition of meat and potatoes

Recent Examples of meat and potatoes from the Web

First Known Use of meat and potatoes

MEAT-AND-POTATOES Defined for English Language Learners

meat-and-potatoes

Definition of meat-and-potatoes for English Language Learners

meat and potatoes

Definition of meat and potatoes for English Language Learners

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

notorious

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

The Last Word on 'Finalize'

'Creep': A Skin-Crawling History

Centuries and How to Refer to Them

If the Shoe Fits

Ask the Editors

Ghost Word

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Words for Summer: A Quiz

Name More Food!

Spell It

SCRABBLE® Sprint

The Last Word on 'Finalize'

Words for Summer: A Quiz

If the Shoe Fits

Trending: 'Asylum' Trends as Policies Draw Attention

Ghost Word

meat-and-potatoes

Definition of meat-and-potatoes

First Known Use of meat-and-potatoes

meat and potatoes

Definition of meat and potatoes

Recent Examples of meat and potatoes from the Web

First Known Use of meat and potatoes

MEAT-AND-POTATOES Defined for English Language Learners

meat-and-potatoes

Definition of meat-and-potatoes for English Language Learners

meat and potatoes

Definition of meat and potatoes for English Language Learners

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The Last Word on 'Finalize'

Words for Summer: A Quiz

If the Shoe Fits

Trending: 'Asylum' Trends as Policies Draw Attention

Ghost Word