sloppy joe

noun

slop·​py joe ˈslä-pē-ˈjō How to pronounce sloppy joe (audio)
1
often Sloppy Joe : a loose-fitting sweater especially for girls
2
: ground beef cooked in a thick spicy sauce and usually served on a bun

Examples of sloppy joe in a Sentence

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.
Minnesotan Ice Fishing Rally, on Lake Harriet, had sloppy joes and themed beer koozies. — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Today, Culinary Hill has grown into a site that’s 1,379 recipes strong, including classics such as sloppy joes and slow cooker meatballs with grape jelly sauce. — Karla Walsh, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 Nobody can resist a saucy, savory sloppy joe, but you're bound to leave a sloppy joe meal with at least one article of clothing stained. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 22 May 2026 Defrost the frozen sloppy joe meat in the refrigerator overnight, or thaw the container in a bowl of cold water until somewhat softened, then transfer it to a saucepan to heat through. — Martha Stewart, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sloppy joe

Word History

Etymology

probably from the name Joe, nickname for Joseph

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sloppy joe was in 1939

Rhymes for sloppy joe

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Browse Nearby Words

sloppy
sloppy joe
slopseller
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sloppy joe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sloppy%20joe. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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