# steak

/ˈsteɪk/ (US) · /stˈeɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/steak
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. slice of beef

noun · CEFR A2

a thick slice of beef that is usually grilled or fried.

For teachers: a thick, high-quality cut of beef, typically taken from the hindquarters of the animal.

- He ordered a medium-rare steak with a side of chips and salad.
- The chef recommended the ribeye steak for its superior marbling and depth of flavour compared to the leaner cuts on the menu.

### 2. slice of fish or vegetable

noun · CEFR B1

a thick slice of fish or a large piece of a vegetable like cauliflower.

For teachers: a cross-section slice of a large fish or a thick slab of a vegetable intended to be cooked as a meat substitute.

- We grilled tuna steaks on the barbecue during our beach holiday.
- The vegetarian menu featured a roasted cauliflower steak seasoned with smoked paprika and served over a bed of quinoa.

### 3. to cut or cook as a steak

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to cut meat or fish into thick slices or to cook it like a steak.

For teachers: to prepare or portion meat, especially fish, by cutting it into thick cross-sections for grilling.

- The fishmonger can steak the salmon for you if you prefer slices over a whole side.
- After the catch was brought ashore, the crew began to steak the large tuna to prepare it for immediate transport to the local markets.

Usage: The verb is transitive and usually refers to the preparation of large fish like salmon or swordfish.

## Examples

- I would like my steak cooked medium-rare.
- The restaurant is famous for its grilled steak served with a side of thick-cut fries and garlic butter.
- The chef carefully seared the steak over high heat to create a flavorful crust while maintaining a tender, juicy interior.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.