shiitake

noun

shii·​ta·​ke shē-ˈtä-kē 

variants or less commonly shitake

: a dark Asian mushroom (Lentinula edodes of the family Omphalotaceae) widely cultivated especially on woods of the beech family for its edible flavorful tan to brown cap

Examples of shiitake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Good Sources of Vitamin D2 Mushrooms, especially shiitake, maitake, and oyster varieties, are among the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D2. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 24 Nov. 2025

The creamy mushroom gravy is made with mixed mushrooms, including shiitakes, cremini, and oyster, which gives this casserole plenty of flavor. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Nov. 2025

His signature Tidal Pool, where a rich broth poaches a raw slice of foie gras and is accompanied by uni, butter clams, mussels, oyster, pickled kombu, toasted nori, and shiitake mushrooms, mimics the rocky coasts of Northern California. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 19 Nov. 2025

It’s garnished with confit shiitake. —Pamela MacNaughtan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, from shii, the Japanese chinquapin + take mushroom

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shiitake

• awake
• backache
• beefsteak
• betake
• cheesecake
• cupcake
• daybreak
• earthquake
• eastlake
• forsake
• handshake
• headache