pastrami

noun

pas·​tra·​mi pə-ˈsträ-mē 

variants or less commonly pastromi

: a highly seasoned smoked beef prepared especially from shoulder cuts

Examples of pastrami in a Sentence

He ordered a pastrami sandwich.

Recent Examples on the Web

The menu includes a variety of breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches, including a lox, pastrami, egg and cheese, and a turkey club. —Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Oct. 2025

There’s an entire section in the cookbook dedicated to Jewish cuisine, with recipes including homemade pastrami and latkes. —Alyssa Davis, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025

The Fratelli Reuben is pastrami, sauerkraut, swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing on marble rye. —Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 25 Sep. 2025

Unlike a traditional Jewish delicatessen, which serves smoked and cured meats like pastrami and corned beef, appetizing stores sell fresh fish and dairy. —Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Yiddish pastrame, from Romanian pastramă pressed and cured meat

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pastrami

• salami
• tatami
• thalami
• tsunami
• balmy
• brahmi
• commie
• mommy
• palmy
• rami
• saami
• swami

Kids Definition

pastrami

noun

pas·​tra·​mi pə-ˈsträm-ē 

: a highly seasoned smoked beef