tenderloin

American  

[ten-der-loin] / ˈtɛn dərˌlɔɪn /

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.

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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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Etymology

Origin of tenderloin

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

Example Sentences

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

I hard-seared the thick boneless pork chops from this bundle — which also includes a shoulder, St. Louis ribs, and a tenderloin — almost like a steak, and wow.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2025

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

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2024

The cook, placed upon her mettle, served a delicious repast—a luscious tenderloin broiled k point The wine tasted good; the marron glac£ seemed to be just what she wanted.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin