well-done

adjective

ˈwel-ˈdən 

1

: rightly or properly performed

2

: cooked thoroughly

a well-done steak

Examples of well-done in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The distinction between capitalism and socialism is like the distinction between steak that is well-done and rare. — Dave Anderson, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2026

Rob Middleton, associate research scientist of mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan who was not involved in the research, said the study was well-done. — Alexa St. John, Fortune, 16 July 2026

If the show still has some of those deep investigations then bringing in creators to do — hopefully well-done and polished — softer pieces could be OK. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026

Add an additional 2 to 3 minutes for well-done. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 1 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for well-done

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone

Kids Definition

well-done

adjective

-ˈdən

1

: done right

2

: cooked thoroughly

a well-done steak