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

Not only will you be making healthier food choices for your loved ones, you will be easily be able to roast a whole chicken, pork tenderloin, steak, and more thanks to the built-in rotisserie.

From Popular-Science

That’s how this Pernil-Style Pork Tenderloin with Mojo Potatoes and Coconut Creamed Spinach was born.

From Washington Post

One day, while craving those flavors, I picked up a pork tenderloin.

From Washington Post

Pat the pork tenderloin dry, then cut 5 or 6 small, shallow slits into it with the tip of a knife — this will help the meat absorb the spices — and place it in the bag with the adobo.

From Washington Post

Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, place the tenderloin in the center of the baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.

From Washington Post

The beef tenderloin was excellent, but I was disappointed with the bass fillet.

From The Daily Beast

With a few efficient gestures, Arnone extracts the tenderloin, proclaiming, “This is the work that I love.”

From The Daily Beast

Heat fry pan with a dash of oil and quickly sear all sides of the tenderloin.

From The Daily Beast

The tenderloin is rare when soft and spongy, and it becomes firmer as it reaches medium to well done.

From The Daily Beast

When I was growing up, you were never able to get a beef tenderloin without it being wrapped in bacon.

From The Daily Beast

The cook, placed upon her mettle, served a delicious repast—a luscious tenderloin broiled a point.

From Project Gutenberg

We'd both run from that spot in the Tenderloin as the klaxon sounded behind us, and we'd both been picked up by the cops.

From Project Gutenberg

I'd just been slipping downhill, taking alleys when I could, merging with the Tenderloin crowds.

From Project Gutenberg

Two different methods of cookery are usually applied to the tenderloin of beef.

From Project Gutenberg

Whichever way it is cooked, the tenderloin always proves to be an exceptionally tender and delicious cut of beef.

From Project Gutenberg