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
The villagers raised their hands in prayer, asking God to calm the gust for the sake of the bobwhite, the starling, and the fowl. Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025 But the bigger question is how the industry manages them, and whether lenders are incentivized to prioritize durability over growth for its own sake. Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025 Adhering to the typical Stranger Things pattern, Eddie’s was always destined to sacrifice himself for the sake of the gang. Eliana Dockterman, Time, 16 Oct. 2025 But while the two share this creation-for-creation’s-sake approach, their respective careers are also defined by lofty ambitions that bridge the worlds of music, visual art and science and beyond. Katie Bain, Billboard, 14 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 21 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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