salami

American  

[suh-lah-mee] / səˈlɑ mi /

noun

1. a kind of sausage, originally Italian, often flavored with garlic.

---

salami British  

/ səˈlɑːmɪ /

noun

1. a highly seasoned type of sausage, usually flavoured with garlic

---

Etymology

Origin of salami

1850–55; < Italian, plural of salame < Vulgar Latin *salāmen, equivalent to *salā ( re ) to salt + Latin -men noun suffix; see sal

Explanation

Salami is a type of cured sausage that's very common in sandwiches. This slightly spicy, salty meat is almost always served thinly sliced and is rarely heated or cooked. Salami is traditionally made from dried and fermented beef or pork, and seasoned with white pepper, garlic, salt, and herbs. It's a popular sandwich ingredient, as it's easy to slice and tastes great cold. The word salami is the plural form of the Italian salame, "spiced pork sausage," from the Latin root sal, or "salt."

Example Sentences

It follows 55-year-old Palestinian cab driver Hassan, played with warmth and subtlety by Ehab Salami, as he ferries passengers through the nocturnal streets of Berlin.

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026

He studied at what is now known as the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, interned at Alps Salami in Queens and apprenticed with butchers in Tuscany.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

Fra’ Mani Salami Trio – There’s salami for quick sandwiches, and then there’s salami you linger over.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2025

Hossein Salami was the commander-in-chief of the IRGC.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2025

“I’m running on the Salami Party ticket,” Ice said.

From "Slam!" by Walter Dean Myers