tenderloin

American  

[ten-der-loin] / ˈtɛn dərˌlɔɪn /

noun

tenderloins plural

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.

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tenderloin British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• tenderloins
  plural

Etymology

Origin of tenderloin

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tenderloin tenderloins

I enjoyed the signature burger at the Polaris lounge in San Francisco much more than my beef tenderloin in the sky.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 1, 2026

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.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2025

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

From Salon ● Dec. 17, 2024

At Barking Frog, you can enjoy a three-course meal featuring brined turkey breast, beef tenderloin, seared wild salmon or a vegan veggie potpie as the entree, plus a starter and a dessert.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 15, 2023

“When the waiter came to take our orders, he said it so smoothly—‘oh, but you do realize that tenderloin is pork, don’t you, Portnoy?

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

After the outstanding performance, the researchers measured the biosensor's practicality using pork tenderloins purchased from a supermarket.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 20, 2024

This technique works well for everything from chops and steaks to whole tenderloins and even slices of denser vegetables such as sweet potatoes and fennel.

From Washington Times ● May 28, 2023

These tenderloins can be eaten grilled, fried or pan seared . . . the options are endless!

From Salon ● Jul. 20, 2022

Rather, she seared slices of filet mignon for sandwiches and grilled whole beef tenderloins for parties.

From New York Times ● May 2, 2022

Turning round to the astonished officers, who had by this time caught up, I said: "Now, gentlemen, allow me to present you with all the tongues and tenderloins from these animals that you want."

From An Autobiography of Buffalo Bill (Colonel W. F. Cody) by Buffalo Bill