sake

1 of 2

noun (1)

1
: end, purpose
for the sake of argument
2
a
: the good, advantage, or enhancement of some entity (such as an ideal)
free to pursue learning for its own sakeM. S. Eisenhower
b
: personal or social welfare, safety, or benefit

sake

2 of 2

noun (2)

sa·​ke ˈsä-kē How to pronounce sake (audio)
variants or saki
: a Japanese alcoholic beverage of fermented rice often served hot

Examples of sake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Here’s hoping, for all of their sakes, the tune changes soon. Chandler Boese, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2025 Perfectionism for its own sake doesn’t scale; respect for the craft does. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025 The lush ballad finds JISOO and Malik blending their distinct voices while delivering emotional lyrics about letting the past go for the sake of new love. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025 The clothes felt thoughtful and sincere rather than big for the sake of being big. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sake

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, dispute, guilt, purpose, from Old English sacu guilt, action at law; akin to Old High German sahha action at law, cause, Old English sēcan to seek — more at seek

Noun (2)

Japanese sake

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1682, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sake was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sake. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

sake

1 of 2 noun
1
: goal sense 2, purpose
for the sake of argument
2
: the good of something : advantage
the sake of our country

sake

2 of 2 noun
sa·​ke
variants or saki
: a Japanese alcoholic drink made from rice
Etymology

Noun

Old English sacu "guilt, legal action"

Noun

Japanese

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