tenderize

verb

ten·​der·​ize ˈten-də-ˌrīz How to pronounce tenderize (audio)
tenderized; tenderizing

transitive verb

: to make (meat or meat products) tender by applying a process or substance that breaks down connective tissue
tenderization noun
tenderizer noun

Examples of tenderize in a Sentence

The marinade helps to tenderize the meat.
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.
The overnight soak tenderizes the meat, and grilling parts instead of a whole bird means every piece is cooked to perfection. Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026 Enhance cooking by tenderizing meat with coffee grounds or substituting them for espresso powder in baked goods. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2026 Salting the squash helps draw out excess moisture, seasoning and tenderizing the zucchini in the process. Martha Stewart, 11 June 2026 One that tenderizes muscles and puts pressure on the joints and ligaments. Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for tenderize

Word History

Etymology

tender entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tenderize was in 1930

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tenderize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenderize. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

tenderize

verb
ten·​der·​ize ˈten-də-ˌrīz How to pronounce tenderize (audio)
tenderized; tenderizing
: to make (meat or meat products) tender by using a process or substance that breaks down connective tissue
tenderization noun
tenderizer noun

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