steak

noun

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.
At Corrientes 348 Argentinian Steakhouse in Dallas, steaks are prepared with just salt and mesquite charcoal, said assistant manager Emmanuel Tobon. ABC News, 27 June 2026 Ocean predators such as the seal, whale, dolphin, and walrus would be hunted down and made into supermarket steaks. David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026 Just this year, three new restaurants serving steaks have opened. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026 In August 2025, a tractor-trailer carrying 40,000 pounds of ribeye steaks caught fire, cooking its cargo and leaving behind a charred, smoky scene. Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 23 June 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 28 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

steak

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

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