plural steaks
1
a
: a slice of meat cut from a fleshy part of a beef carcass
b
: a similar slice of a specified meat other than beef
ham steak
c
: a cross-section slice of a large fish
swordfish steak
d
: a thick slice or piece of a non-meat food especially when prepared or served in the manner of a beef steak
tofu/portobello steaks
a cauliflower steak
2
a
: ground beef prepared for cooking or for serving in the manner of a steak
hamburger steak
b
: a non-meat food formed into a patty and cooked
lentil steak
wild mushroom steak

Examples of steak in a Sentence

I grilled a steak for dinner. We had steak and potatoes for dinner.
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.
Its main virtues for gluten-free eaters are a dedicated fryer and incredibly good french fries—available as a stand-alone side or, even better, as part of steak frites. — Luke Pyenson, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026 Democrats want to rid America of ribeye steaks, said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. — Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026 But relatively, both the steaks at Costco and the options on Costco are very fairly priced. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026 How Cube Steak Is Used and Cooked Cube steak is extremely versatile. — Natalia Vela, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steak

Word History

Etymology

Middle English steke, from Old Norse steik; akin to Old Norse steikja to roast on a stake, stik stick, stake — more at stick

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of steak was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Steak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steak. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: a slice of meat and especially beef
2
: a slice of a large fish (as swordfish)
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