tenderloin

noun

ten·​der·​loin ˈten-dər-ˌlȯin 

1

: a strip of tender meat consisting of a large internal muscle of the loin on each side of the vertebral column

2

[from its making possible a luxurious diet for a corrupt police officer] : a district of a city largely devoted to vice

Did you know?

A tenderloin, of course, is a juicy and tasty cut of meat. In the late 19th century, however, Tenderloin saw use as a nickname for the neighborhood of midtown Manhattan, west of Broadway and below 42nd Street. This district, which contained numerous bordellos, gambling houses, and watering holes, alongside theaters and hotels, became a hotbed of corruption - and, it was alleged by some, blackmail by police. The notion of dishonest law enforcers being able to afford a nice meal off activity in this district is believed to have given the Tenderloin its name. Soon the term was applied to similarly seedy districts in other cities.

Examples of tenderloin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The highlight of mine was the rabbit doppio, a large ravioli stuffed with braised meat and cheese in separate but adjacent cells, and the beef tenderloin was a perfect anchor. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026

On the larger side, there is a branzino entree with cauliflower puree and rainbow carrots, lamb chops with pistachio chimichurri and marinated beef tenderloin with eggplant and sun-dried tomato. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026

Pair the stone fruit with relatively quick-cooking pork tenderloins for a sweet-and-savory meal that is simple to prepare but pretty enough for company. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Our beef tenderloin was tender indeed, served with boniato - Japanese sweet potato - and miso butter. — Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tenderloin

• phenytoin
• adjoin
• benzoin
• bitcoin
• conjoin
• enjoin
• rejoin
• sirloin
• subjoin
• coin
• coyne
• groin

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Kids Definition

tenderloin

noun

ten·​der·​loin ˈten-dər-ˌlȯin 

: a strip of tender meat (as beef or pork) on each side of the backbone