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.
Other lettuce-free options at Taco Bell include the Bean Burrito, Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, Cheesy Roll Up, Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito and the Quesadilla (cheese, chicken and steak). Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Along with traditional options such as avocado toast, steak and eggs, and a breakfast burrito, more brunchy items, including chicken wings and a burger, are available. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026 For those worried that hot courses like steaks or bowlfuls of soup can harm their unprotected unmentionables, Ali says all guests should exercise common sense and use their lap towel. Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026 For something heartier, The Pit Bar & Grill serves a broad menu of burgers, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, and comfort-food staples in a casual, come-as-you-are setting, with a full bar for those looking to stick around awhile. Bailey Berg, Travel + Leisure, 1 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 6 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

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

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