tenderloin

[ten-der-loin]

noun

1. (in beef or pork) the tender meat of the muscle running through the sirloin and terminating before the ribs.

2. a cut of beef lying between the sirloin and ribs.

3. (initial capital letter)

   1. (formerly) a district in New York City noted for corruption and vice: so called because police there could eat well from their bribes.

   2. a similar district in any U.S. city.

tenderloin

/ ˈtɛndəˌlɔɪn /

noun

1. a tender cut of pork or other meat from between the sirloin and ribs

2. a district of a city that is particularly noted for vice and corruption

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenderloin¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30; tender ¹ + loin

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenderloin¹

sense 2 from Tenderloin, former district of New York City, regarded as an easy source of bribes for a corrupt policeman

Example Sentences

After graduating in 2011, he debuted the Ooo-We! sauce, a “sweet, spicy, saucy glaze” that he said pairs well with everything from eggs to pork tenderloin.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Two ribeyes, two striploins and two tenderloin steaks that will make any entertainer smile.

Read more on Salon

The progression for Kaleena's team still seemed odd to me, though: Why so much protein, including two different tenderloins.

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The leanest pork cuts include the loin, tenderloin, center loin and ham.

Read more on Seattle Times

Also popular are the Peking duck, baked free-range chicken with rock salt, diced beef tenderloin with black pepper and the pan-fried eggplant.

Read more on Seattle Times