steak

noun

ˈstāk 

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

Although some research indicates some types could be contaminated with dangerous toxins, the supplement is a quick, easy way to hit your protein goals without having to cook up a chicken breast or steak. —Sonya Collins, Fortune, 25 June 2025

That brings big pots of water to boil fast, and can put a solid sear on a steak through a cast iron pan without turning the meat’s interior grey. —Wes Siler, Outside Online, 21 June 2025

Burgers, steaks, pork chops, chicken—everybody gets a turn getting nice and smoky. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 21 June 2025

The most interesting of the seafood dishes is the swordfish steak with chermoula,gingered cauliflower pilaf, eggplant yogurt and charred lemon. —John Mariani, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

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

Phrases Containing steak

• carpetbag steak
• chicken-fried steak
• club steak
• cube steak
• Delmonico steak
• flank steak
• hanger steak
• minute steak
• rib eye steak
• round steak
• Salisbury steak
• shell steak
• skirt steak
• steak house
• steak knife
• steak tartare
• Swiss steak
• T-bone steak

Rhymes for steak

• ache
• ake
• bake
• brake
• break
• cake
• craik
• crake
• fake
• flake
• hake
• jake

Kids Definition

steak

noun

ˈstāk 

1

: a slice of meat and especially beef

2

: a slice of a large fish (as swordfish)