DictionaryAI

sake

noun
SAYK/ˈseɪk/

Pluralsakes

4 meanings of sake

Practice

  1. 1
    purposenoun
    The reason or purpose for doing something.

    For the sake of speed, we skipped the long introductions.

    Let's say, for the sake of argument, that he is right.

    UsageUsually for the sake of something. Write for old times' sake with the apostrophe after s.

    Similarpurpose, interest, reason, end

    Note
  2. 2
    noun
    If you do something for someone's sake, you do it to help them or because you care about them.

    She saved money for the sake of her children's future.

    He exercised every day for the sake of his health.

    UsageSay for her sake, or for the sake of her whole family.

    Similarbenefit, good, welfare

    Note
  3. 3
    rice winenouncountable or uncountable
    Another spelling of saké: a Japanese alcoholic drink made from rice.

    They poured warm sake into small cups.

    She tried sake for the first time at the festival.

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    nounobsoletecountable
    A quarrel or fight, or a charge of blame against someone.

    Similarfeud, quarrel, dispute, strife, charge

    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Old English sacu, meaning "cause" or "lawsuit," going back to older Germanic and Indo-European roots meaning "matter" or "to investigate."

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts