tenderloin
noun
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
Beth Krietsch, SELF, 22 Jan. 2026
California Pinot pairs beautifully with richer dishes like pork tenderloin or a creamy mushroom risotto while Oregon Pinot, with its brighter acidity, shines next to dishes like salmon, roasted vegetables, or simple roasted chicken.
—Emily Price, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
This easy recipe pairs bite-sized chunks of sweet, juicy pineapple with tender bites of teriyaki-marinated pork tenderloin.
—Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2026
The condiment is also delicious paired with pork tenderloin, or really any meat, for that matter.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tenderloin
Cite this Entry
“Tenderloin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenderloin. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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tenderloin
noun
