meat-and-potatoes

adjective

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

meat-and-potatoes Synonyms

Synonyms

abecedarian, basal, basic, beginning, elemental, essential, fundamental, introductory, meat-and-potatoes, rudimental, rudimentary, underlying

Antonyms

advanced

Related Words

primal, primary, prime, simple; crude, primeval, primitive, primordial, rude, uncomplicated; preliminary, preparatory; crucial, important, key

Near Antonyms

complex, sophisticated; complicated, convoluted, detailed, elaborate, extensive, intricate; developed, evolved, high, higher, refined

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

First Known Use of meat and potatoes

1951

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

Learn More about meat-and-potatoes

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for meat-and-potatoes

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

Read the Latest from M-W

First Known Use of meat-and-potatoes

meat-and-potatoes Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

meat and potatoes

Definition of meat and potatoes

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

Learn More about meat-and-potatoes

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

Trending: Ivanka: "An 'Otherwise' Incredible Day"

Words of the Year: 1066