Meat vs. Steak — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 20, 2023
Meat refers to the edible flesh of animals, while steak is a specific cut of meat, typically from beef.
Difference Between Meat and Steak
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Meat represents the flesh of animals that is consumed as food. This can be from a variety of animals such as cows, pigs, chickens, fish, and more. On the other hand, Steak specifically denotes a slice of meat, primarily beef, that is often cut perpendicular to the muscle fibers and cooked by grilling or frying.
The term Meat encompasses a broad category of edible animal flesh, which includes organs, bones, and fat in some contexts. In contrast, Steak is a particular form of meat, primarily highlighting a premium cut meant for specific cooking methods.
While Meat can be processed, ground, or served in numerous ways, Steak usually refers to a whole piece that's cooked to various degrees of doneness, from rare to well-done.
Meat is a general term used in culinary and butchery contexts to describe animal flesh as food. Steak, while also a term used in these contexts, often carries a notion of luxury, special occasions, or dining out due to its association with grilling and fine dining.
Both Meat and Steak are sources of protein and other essential nutrients. However, specific cuts represented by the term Steak might be prized for their tenderness, marbling, and flavor.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The edible flesh of animals.
A specific cut of meat, primarily from beef.
Scope
Broad, includes various animals and cuts.
Narrower, primarily beef and specific cuts.
Preparation
Can be ground, stewed, fried, etc.
Often grilled or fried to specific doneness.
Cultural Perception
General food item consumed globally.
Often associated with luxury or special occasions.
Examples
Chicken meat, pork, lamb meat.
Ribeye steak, T-bone steak, sirloin steak.
Compare with Definitions
Meat
Animal Flesh: The flesh of animals used as food.
I prefer white meat over red meat.
Steak
Beef Cut: A slice of meat, especially beef, prepared for cooking.
I ordered a medium-rare steak at the restaurant.
Meat
Edible Part: The edible part of something, especially as distinguished from its shell or husk.
The meat of the nut was hard to extract.
Steak
Specific Preparation: Meat cooked by grilling, frying, or broiling.
The steak was grilled to perfection.
Meat
Meat is animal flesh that is eaten as food. Humans have hunted and killed animals for meat since prehistoric times.
Steak
Tender Meat Piece: A cut of meat prized for its tenderness.
The filet mignon is a tender steak cut.
Meat
The edible flesh of animals, especially that of mammals as opposed to that of fish or poultry.
Steak
Dining Specialty: A popular choice for special dinners or occasions.
For our anniversary, we went to a steakhouse.
Meat
The edible part, as of a piece of fruit or a nut.
Steak
A steak is a meat generally sliced across the muscle fibers, potentially including a bone. It is normally grilled, though can also be pan-fried.
Meat
The essence, substance, or gist
The meat of the editorial.
Steak
High-quality beef taken from the hindquarters of the animal, typically cut into thick slices that are cooked by grilling or frying
He liked his steak rare
A plate of steak and chips
Half a pound of fillet steak
Meat
(Slang) Something that one enjoys or excels in; a forte
Tennis is his meat.
Steak
A slice of meat, typically beef, usually cut thick and across the muscle grain and served broiled or fried.
Meat
Nourishment; food
"Love is not all.
Steak
A thick slice of a large fish cut across the body.
Meat
The human body regarded as an object of sexual desire.
Steak
A patty of ground meat broiled or fried.
Meat
The genitals.
Steak
, a slice of beef, broiled or cut for broiling.
Meat
(uncountable) The flesh (muscle tissue) of an animal used as food.
A large portion of domestic meat production comes from animals raised on factory farms.
The homesteading teenager shot a deer to supply his family with wild meat for the winter.
Steak
(by extension) A relatively large, thick slice or slab cut from another animal, a vegetable, etc.
Venison steak, bear steak, pork steak, turtle steak, salmon steak; cauliflower steak, eggplant steaks
Meat
(countable) A type of meat, by anatomic position and provenance.
The butchery's profit rate on various meats varies greatly.
Steak
(seafood) A slice of meat cut across the grain (perpendicular to the spine) from a fish.
Meat
Food, for animals or humans, especially solid food. See also meat and drink.
Steak
To cook (something, especially fish) like or as a steak.
Meat
A type of food, a dish.
Steak
A slice of beef, broiled, or cut for broiling; - also extended to the meat of other large animals; as, venison steak; bear steak; pork steak; turtle steak.
Meat
(archaic) A meal.
Steak
A slice of meat cut from the fleshy part of an animal or large fish
Meat
(obsolete) Meal; flour.
Steak
High-Quality Slice: A prime cut of beef suitable for grilling.
The ribeye steak is known for its marbling.
Meat
(uncountable) Any relatively thick, solid part of a fruit, nut etc.
The apple looked fine on the outside, but the meat was not very firm.
Meat
(slang) A penis.
Meat
(colloquial) The best or most substantial part of something.
We recruited him right from the meat of our competitor.
Meat
(sports) The sweet spot of a bat or club (in cricket, golf, baseball etc.).
He hit it right on the meat of the bat.
Meat
(slang) A meathead.
Throw it in here, meat.
Meat
(Australian Aboriginal) A totem, or (by metonymy) a clan or clansman which uses it.
Meat
Food, in general; anything eaten for nourishment, either by man or beast. Hence, the edible part of anything; as, the meat of a lobster, a nut, or an egg.
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, . . . to you it shall be for meat.
Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you.
Meat
The flesh of animals used as food; esp., animal muscle; as, a breakfast of bread and fruit without meat.
Meat
Dinner; the chief meal.
Meat
To supply with food.
His shield well lined, his horses meated well.
Meat
The flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food
Meat
The inner and usually edible part of a seed or grain or nut or fruit stone;
Black walnut kernels are difficult to get out of the shell
Meat
The choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience;
The gist of the prosecutor's argument
The heart and soul of the Republican Party
The nub of the story
Meat
Substance: The essence or chief part of something.
The meat of the discussion got everyone's attention.
Meat
Culinary Ingredient: An essential component in many dishes.
The meat in the stew made it very hearty.
Meat
Protein Source: A primary source of protein for many diets.
Many athletes consume meat for muscle recovery.
Common Curiosities
Is steak typically more expensive than other meats?
Often, certain steak cuts can be pricier due to their tenderness and demand.
Is all steak meat?
Yes, all steak is meat, but not all meat is steak.
Why are some steaks more tender than others?
It depends on the muscle's location, marbling, and how the animal was raised.
Can steak be cooked without grilling?
Yes, steaks can be pan-fried, broiled, or even sous-vide.
Can you get steak from animals other than cows?
Yes, there are steaks from other animals like tuna steak or lamb steak.
Can the word meat also refer to fish?
Yes, fish flesh is often referred to as "fish meat."
Is red meat the same as steak?
Steak is a form of red meat, but not all red meat is steak.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
