sake

1 of 2

noun (1)

1
: end, purpose
for the sake of argument
2
a
: the good, advantage, or enhancement of some entity (such as an ideal)
free to pursue learning for its own sakeM. S. Eisenhower
b
: personal or social welfare, safety, or benefit

sake

2 of 2

noun (2)

sa·​ke ˈsä-kē How to pronounce sake (audio)
variants or saki
: a Japanese alcoholic beverage of fermented rice often served hot

Examples of sake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
To drink, pan-Asian inspired cocktails starring ingredients like yuzu, lemongrass, and Thai basil; plus local wines, and a sake list. Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 Thus, Macchio soon became adamant that the film should delay itself for the sake of the Cobra Kai audience, and Entwistle is ultimately glad that the studio didn’t risk any confusion. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2025 Aidan, in his tantalizing and tight-jeans-wearing glory, is teasing Carrie from his Southern comfort, holding off a real relationship for the sake of his sons, dangling the prospect of romance in front of her without consideration for her needs. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 May 2025 But ultimately, the Supreme Court must put an end to this for the sake of our Constitution and our country. Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sake

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, dispute, guilt, purpose, from Old English sacu guilt, action at law; akin to Old High German sahha action at law, cause, Old English sēcan to seek — more at seek

Noun (2)

Japanese sake

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1682, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sake was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sake. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

sake

1 of 2 noun
1
: goal sense 2, purpose
for the sake of argument
2
: the good of something : advantage
the sake of our country

sake

2 of 2 noun
sa·​ke
variants or saki
: a Japanese alcoholic drink made from rice
Etymology

Noun

Old English sacu "guilt, legal action"

Noun

Japanese

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