suet

noun

su·​et ˈsü-ət How to pronounce suet (audio)
: the hard fat about the kidneys and loins in beef and mutton that yields tallow

Examples of suet 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.
Then, display them loosely in a suet feeder where nesting birds can easily spot and gather them up. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 20 July 2026 Both suet and hummingbird nectar are very susceptible to spoiling from the heat. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 July 2026 Beef tallow — a dense fat derived from cow suet sometimes used in cooking and now skin care products — has become increasingly popular of late. — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 7 May 2026 Beef tallow is rendered fat from cows, made from suet that surrounds the kidneys and other organs, according to UT MD Anderson. — Ryan Brennan may 5, Kansas City Star, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for suet

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sewet, from Anglo-French suet, siuet, from seu, su hard animal fat, from Latin sebum

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of suet was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

suerte
suet
Suetonius
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suet. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

suet

noun
su·​et ˈsü-ət How to pronounce suet (audio)
: the hard fat around the kidneys in beef and mutton from which tallow is made

Medical Definition

suet

noun
su·​et ˈsü-ət How to pronounce suet (audio)
: the hard fat about the kidneys and loins in beef and mutton that yields tallow and that in prepared form is used in some pharmaceutical ointments

More from Merriam-Webster on suet

Nglish: Translation of suet for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about suet

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