tenderloin

noun

ten·​der·​loin ˈten-dər-ˌlȯin 

1

: a strip of tender meat consisting of a large internal muscle of the loin on each side of the vertebral column

2

[from its making possible a luxurious diet for a corrupt police officer] : a district of a city largely devoted to vice

Did you know?

A tenderloin, of course, is a juicy and tasty cut of meat. In the late 19th century, however, Tenderloin saw use as a nickname for the neighborhood of midtown Manhattan, west of Broadway and below 42nd Street. This district, which contained numerous bordellos, gambling houses, and watering holes, alongside theaters and hotels, became a hotbed of corruption - and, it was alleged by some, blackmail by police. The notion of dishonest law enforcers being able to afford a nice meal off activity in this district is believed to have given the Tenderloin its name. Soon the term was applied to similarly seedy districts in other cities.

Examples of tenderloin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The dish features finely hand-cut beef tenderloin mixed with umami flavors and subtle hints of spices and herbs that are surprisingly light to the palate. —Taryn White, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024

Blot tenderloins dry with paper towels, but leave any clinging herbs in place. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2024

Filet comes from the tenderloin, which is located in the middle of the animal, right next to the cow’s vertebrae. —Mary Squillace, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2024

Goldie's Ice Cream Shoppe Prairie City, IA While Goldie’s, which opened in 1995, serves great ice cream and shakes, be sure to sample the standout pork tenderloin sandwich. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 May 2023

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

tenderloin

noun

ten·​der·​loin ˈten-dər-ˌlȯin 

: a strip of tender meat (as beef or pork) on each side of the backbone