pork

noun

ˈpȯrk 

1

: the fresh or salted flesh of swine when dressed for food

2

: government funds, jobs, or favors distributed by politicians to gain political advantage

Examples of pork in a Sentence

We need to cut the pork out of the federal budget.

Recent Examples on the Web

All of these methods are terrific with pork eels as well as frogs, too. —Anthony A. Ciuffa, Outdoor Life, 7 Aug. 2025

Or head to Hart & Crown Tavern (above right) for pub grub like fish n’ chips, plus burgers, salads, and heartier dishes like pork schnitzel. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2025

The Chinatown Chicken Sandwich adds smoky mayo and pork floss, while vegans can get in on a little saucy fun with the MaPo tofu (it’s got just enough vinegar to cut through the heat). —Lela London, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

More items on the shop’s menu: an avocado, egg and cheddar sandwich; a Jersey pork roll with hashbrowns, egg, American cheese, salt, pepper and ketchup; a pepperoni pizza bagel; a rosemary and salt bagel; and more. —Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French porc pig, from Latin porcus — more at farrow

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pork

• pork barrel
• pork belly
• pork rind
• salt pork

Rhymes for pork

• bork
• dork
• fork
• stork
• torque
• pitchfork

Video

Words of the Year: 1066

English was never the same after the Norman Conquest

Kids Definition

pork

noun

ˈpō(ə)rk 

ˈpȯ(ə)rk

1

: the flesh of a pig used for food

2

: government funds, jobs, or favors distributed by politicians to gain political advantage

Etymology

Middle English pork "meat from a pig," from early French porc "pig," from Latin porcus "pig" — related to porcupine, porpoise see Word History at porpoise