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.
Excess compound butter can be used to make garlic bread, to season a roast chicken or steak, or even to finish warm potatoes. Claire Wadsworth, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 Today’s recipe This California burrito recipe calls for steak, fries, cheese and sour cream in a flour tortilla — that’s it. Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 The interstate runs past the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo and The Big Texan Steak Ranch — home of the 72-ounce steak challenge, free if diners finish it within an hour. Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 Jumpers often parachute with something special—often a small luxury such as a frozen steak or some olive oil—in a pocket of their suits. M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

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