sake

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈsāk How to pronounce sake (audio)
Synonyms of sake
1
: end, purpose
for the sake of argument
2
a
: the good, advantage, or enhancement of some entity (such as an ideal)
… free to pursue learning for its own sake.—M. S. Eisenhower
b
: personal or social welfare, safety, or benefit

sake

2 of 2

noun (2)

sa·​ke ˈsä-kē How to pronounce sake (audio)
variants or saki
: a Japanese alcoholic beverage of fermented rice often served hot

Examples of sake 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.
Noun
Our market list doesn’t reach for a fluffy rug for a fluffy rug’s sake—we’re looking for something ’70s with a Nordic sensibility and a contemporary redesign. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026 For their sake, and our nation’s, and for there to be peace in the region, Israeli voters must retire him in their October election. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026 Rather than pursuing complexity for its own sake, the objective was to create a gin that faithfully expresses the Mediterranean woodland surrounding Castiglion del Bosco while remaining elegant, floral and harmonious. — Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 For the sake of their fans, hopefully their next GM accepts this fate, is OK with taking a step back and commits to a path that at least creates some light at the end of the tunnel. — Harman Dayal, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sake

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, dispute, guilt, purpose, from Old English sacu guilt, action at law; akin to Old High German sahha action at law, cause, Old English sēcan to seek — more at seek

Noun (2)

Japanese sake

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1682, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sake was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing sake

Rhymes for sake

See All Rhymes for sake

Browse Nearby Words

Sakarya
sake
sake and soke
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sake. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sake

1 of 2 noun
ˈsāk How to pronounce sake (audio)
1
: goal sense 2, purpose
for the sake of argument
2
: the good of something : advantage
the sake of our country

sake

2 of 2 noun
sa·​ke
variants or saki
ˈsäk-ē How to pronounce sake (audio)
: a Japanese alcoholic drink made from rice
Etymology

Noun

Old English sacu "guilt, legal action"

Noun

Japanese

More from Merriam-Webster on sake

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sake

Nglish: Translation of sake for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sake

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