Wagyu
noun
Wa·gyu
ˈwä-(ˌ)gyü 
variants
or less commonly wagyu
plural Wagyu also wagyu
1
: any of four strains of a breed of black or red Japanese cattle valued for their highly marbled meat
In the U.S., Japanese Wagyu cows have been crossbred with those of other breeds to produce unsurpassably tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef.—
Saveur
SaveurNote: Wagyu were developed in Japan in the late 1800s to 1910 by crossbreeding native cattle with European breeds.
2
or Wagyu beef
or less commonly wagyu beef
: beef from Wagyu cattle
The surface of my Wagyu was intricately laced with delicate veins of off-white fat—by laboratory measurement, three times more marbling fat than U.S. prime-grade beef, though with slightly less cholesterol.—Jeffrey Steingarten
Jeffrey SteingartenWagyu beef is tender and flavorful because of its intramuscular fat, or marbling.—Sam Gugino
compare kobe beef
Sam GuginoExamples of Wagyu in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Although the restaurant specializes in premium cuts of meat including Wagyu ribeye, Cowboy ribeye and the Instagram-worthy Flaming Tomahawk, its seafood and gourmet-quality sides have garnered rave reviews.
—Martie Bowser, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
The gourmet dogs are made with 100% American Wagyu beef, and the quality really shines in fan favorites like The Carolina and The Philly Dog.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 26 July 2025
Its eight- and 11-course tasting-only menus are guided by the seasons, but Wagyu beef tartare, homemade ricotta gnudi and striped sea bass are signature dishes.
—Mariette Williams, USA Today, 24 July 2025
Sushi offerings include various rolls such as Spicy Tuna, Yellowtail Scallion and a Wagyu roll.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for Wagyu
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Martie Bowser, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
The gourmet dogs are made with 100% American Wagyu beef, and the quality really shines in fan favorites like The Carolina and The Philly Dog.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 26 July 2025
Its eight- and 11-course tasting-only menus are guided by the seasons, but Wagyu beef tartare, homemade ricotta gnudi and striped sea bass are signature dishes.
—Mariette Williams, USA Today, 24 July 2025
Sushi offerings include various rolls such as Spicy Tuna, Yellowtail Scallion and a Wagyu roll.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for Wagyu
Cite this Entry
“Wagyu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Wagyu. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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