mincemeat

noun

mince·​meat ˈmin(t)s-ˌmēt 

1

: minced meat

2

: a finely chopped mixture (as of raisins, apples, and spices) sometimes with meat that is often used as pie filling

3

: a state of destruction or annihilation

—used in the phrase make mincemeat of

Synonyms

• annihilation
• decimation
• demolishment
• demolition
• desolation
• destruction
• devastation
• extermination
• extinction
• havoc
• loss
• obliteration
• ruin
• ruination
• wastage
• wreckage

Examples of mincemeat in a Sentence

the artillery quickly made mincemeat of the enemy's fortifications

Recent Examples on the Web

Her new hiking boots—part of this particular junket’s raft of supplies—had made mincemeat of her feet. —Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 6 Aug. 2024

That conviction came apart in the bloody years that followed, as machine-gun and trench warfare made mincemeat of visions of easy conquest. —Charles L. Glaser, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2024

There's no Christmas pie more traditional (or divisive) than classic mincemeat pie. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 Nov. 2023

My mother always made mincemeat pies for thanksgiving and Christmas. —Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mincemeat

• make mincemeat (out) of

Kids Definition

mincemeat

noun

mince·​meat ˈmin(t)-ˌsmēt 

1

: minced meat

2

: a finely chopped mixture (as of raisins, apples, and spices) with or without meat