What does cheesesteak mean?
A cheesesteak is a hearty American sandwich consisting of thinly sliced beefsteak, typically ribeye, cooked on a griddle and served with melted cheese on a long crusty roll, most often with fried onions. The word originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the sandwich was created in the early twentieth century, and it remains closely identified with that city's food culture — so much so that 'Philly cheesesteak' has become an established phrase. Cheesesteaks are casual fare: they are sold at sandwich shops, food carts, and diners rather than fine restaurants, and the word carries an informal, indulgent connotation. A long-running local debate concerns the correct cheese, whether processed Cheez Whiz, provolone, or mild American, which gives the word a playful cultural resonance beyond its culinary meaning.
nounA sandwich of thinly sliced beefsteak with melted cheese in a long roll, originating in Philadelphia.
- A sandwich made with thinly sliced sautéed beef and melted cheese on a long roll, typically topped with onions.
"We stopped at a corner shop for a cheesesteak piled high with grilled onions."
"After the game we split a greasy cheesesteak from a food cart outside the stadium."
"The menu offered both the classic Philly cheesesteak and a chicken variation."
Regular plural formation; used when referring to more than one sandwich or to the dish in general.
"The deli sells hundreds of cheesesteaks every weekend."
The cheesesteak was born when a hot dog vendor named Pat Olivieri threw beef on his grill in 1930s Philadelphia — and the city has been arguing about the right cheese ever since.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cheesesteak
The word 'cheesesteak' is a straightforward English compound of 'cheese' and 'steak', formed in Philadelphia in the early twentieth century after Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, began grilling thin slices of beef and serving them on a roll; melted cheese was added shortly afterward. Both constituent words are ancient English terms — 'cheese' derives from Old English 'cīese' (from Latin 'caseus'), while 'steak' comes from Old Norse 'steik', related to 'steikja' ('to roast').
How cheesesteak is actually used
Informal register. Strongly associated with Philadelphia cuisine; 'Philly cheesesteak' is a common fixed phrase. Debates over the proper cheese (Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American) are a well-known part of the word's cultural baggage.
Easily confused with cheesesteak
'Cheesesteak' is the standard one-word spelling for the Philadelphia sandwich; 'cheese steak' is a variant two-word spelling referring to the same thing.