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

Tofu, shiitakes, bok choy, and cubed kabocha squash cook in boxed vegetable broth that has been enhanced with soy sauce, miso, and fresh ginger. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 27 Oct. 2026

Verdoie hand-harvests organic shiitake mushrooms grown on upcycled substrates at a regenerative farm in France. — Brianna Peters, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026

Vegetarians, on the other hand, can choose from sandwiches like the Beauregard (sweet potatoes, kimchi, shiitake mushrooms) and the Melrose (portobello mushrooms, red onions, pimento cheese, and arugula). — Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2026

For example, 100 grams of raw shiitake mushrooms provides about 34 calories, three grams of fiber, and two and a half grams of protein — all cholesterol free. — Michiko Tomioka, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026

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
• forsake
• gouache
• handshake
• headache