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

Food and drink The fifth-floor BAHR with its open kitchen showcases his distinctive flavor combinations with plates like prawn rissoles (a Portuguese snack) as well as riffs on traditional dishes like pork with clams. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

The diner’s pork tenderloin sandwich—a Hoosier staple served grilled or breaded—is one of the biggest draws, alongside all-day breakfast favorites like from-scratch biscuits and thick, peppery gravy. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Midwest Living, 31 May 2026

The consumer economy, though, is flagging; pork prices have plunged amid a glut and languid spending, in a microcosm of muted demand in the country. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 31 May 2026

According to the National Park Service, 92% of the nation's agricultural exports are produced in the Mississippi River Basin, from Kansas wheat to Iowa corn and Illinois soybeans, along with beef, pork and chicken. —Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 31 May 2026

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