sake

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈsāk

Synonyms of sake

: end, purpose

for the sake of argument

: the good, advantage, or enhancement of some entity (such as an ideal)

… free to pursue learning for its own sake.—M. S. Eisenhower

: personal or social welfare, safety, or benefit

sake

2 of 2

noun (2)

sa·ke ˈsä-kē

variants or saki

: a Japanese alcoholic beverage of fermented rice often served hot

Examples of sake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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Noun

There wasn’t anything created for the sake of visual pleasure. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026 The protagonist who makes a sacrifice for the sake of another receives an unforeseeable benefit on the other side. — Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026 Hibachi chefs erected onion volcanoes and squirted sake into the mouths of guests. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 8 Oct. 2026 Gekkeikan has been brewing sake in Japan since 1637, according to the company’s website. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026 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

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sake. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sake

1 of 2 noun

ˈsāk

: goal sense 2, purpose

for the sake of argument

: the good of something : advantage

the sake of our country

sake

2 of 2 noun

sa·ke

variants or saki

ˈsäk-ē

: a Japanese alcoholic drink made from rice

Etymology

Noun

Old English sacu "guilt, legal action"

Noun

Japanese

sake

noun (1)

noun (2)

Examples of sake in a Sentence

Word History

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17 English Words That Come From Japanese

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Kids Definition

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sake

noun (1)

noun (2)

Examples of sake in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing sake

Rhymes for sake

Browse Nearby Words

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17 English Words That Come From Japanese

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