salt pork

American  

noun

1. pork cured with salt, especially the fat pork taken from the back, sides, and belly.

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salt pork British  

noun

1. pork, esp the fat pork taken from the back, sides, and belly, that has been cured with salt

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Etymology

Origin of salt pork

First recorded in 1715–25

Compare meaning

How does salt-pork compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• salt pork vs. pork belly
• salt pork vs. pancetta

Example Sentences

Another influence that comes to mind is the old wagon-train western, if packed alongside the salt pork were a few speakers capable of blasting dance music loud enough to shake the Rockies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

“Traditionally, Hoppin’ John consists of black-eyed peas, rice, red peppers, and salt pork, and it is believed to bring good fortune to those who eat it,” the museum says.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 30, 2023

The inspiration was the French bistro staple salade frisée au lardons, typically made with bitter frisée lettuce, a poached egg and meaty chunks of salt pork.

From Washington Times • Dec. 22, 2023

And during the 20th century, pellagra was widespread in the South where low-wage Black laborers like Flemmie’s sister Mabel lived off of salt pork, corn meal, and molasses.

From Scientific American • Oct. 26, 2023

He built up the fire and put the frying pan to heat and sliced thick pieces of salt pork into it.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck