cheese steak: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal, Culinary
Quick answer
What does “cheese steak” mean?
A sandwich consisting of thinly sliced beefsteak and melted cheese, typically served on a long roll.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sandwich consisting of thinly sliced beefsteak and melted cheese, typically served on a long roll.
A culinary specialty strongly associated with Philadelphia, USA, where it originated. It can refer to the sandwich itself or the style of preparing the meat and cheese combination.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively American. In British English, the concept is unfamiliar as a named dish; one would describe it as 'a steak and cheese sandwich' or similar.
Connotations
In American English, it strongly connotes Philadelphia, casual dining, and a specific regional food culture. In British English, it has no established connotations.
Frequency
Very high frequency in American English in relevant contexts (menus, food discussions). Extremely low to zero frequency in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “cheese steak” in a Sentence
[verb] a cheese steak[adjective] cheese steakcheese steak [preposition] [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cheese steak” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb in British English]
American English
- [Rarely used as a verb] 'We're going to cheese steak it for lunch.' (informal, non-standard)
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not applicable as an adjective in British English]
American English
- The cheese steak shop is on the corner.
- He has a cheese steak craving.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of restaurant menus, food service, and tourism marketing.
Academic
Rare, except in cultural studies, sociology, or culinary history discussing American regional cuisine.
Everyday
Common when discussing food choices, ordering at a diner, or talking about Philadelphia.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts outside of specific culinary training.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cheese steak”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cheese steak”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cheese steak”
- Spelling as one word 'cheesesteak' (common but the dictionary form is often two words).
- Using it to refer to any steak with cheese on top.
- Capitalizing it when not referring to the trademarked 'Philly Cheesesteak'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is commonly found as both 'cheese steak' (two words) and 'cheesesteak' (one word). Dictionaries often list the two-word form, but the one-word form is very common in usage, especially in the term 'Philly cheesesteak'.
Traditionally, Cheez Whiz (a processed cheese sauce), provolone, or American cheese are used. The choice of cheese is a subject of local debate among enthusiasts.
Yes, but it is often an adaptation. Restaurants specializing in American food, especially in large cities worldwide, may offer it, but it may differ from the Philadelphia original.
No, it is generally considered a high-calorie, high-fat indulgence or comfort food, not a health food.
A sandwich consisting of thinly sliced beefsteak and melted cheese, typically served on a long roll.
Cheese steak is usually informal, culinary in register.
Cheese steak: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃiːz ˌsteɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃiz ˌsteɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the CHEESE that melts on the STEAK in the famous city of PHILADELPHIA.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD IS A CULTURAL IDENTITY (The sandwich represents the city of Philadelphia).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'cheese steak' primarily associated with?