mincemeat

noun

mince·​meat ˈmin(t)s-ˌmēt How to pronounce mincemeat (audio)
Synonyms of mincemeatnext
1
: minced meat
2
: a finely chopped mixture (as of raisins, apples, and spices) sometimes with meat that is often used as pie filling
3
: a state of defeat, destruction, or annihilation
—used in the phrase make mincemeat of
a boxer who regularly makes mincemeat of opponents

Synonyms of mincemeat

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Examples of mincemeat in a Sentence

the artillery quickly made mincemeat of the enemy's fortifications
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.
This is the first in a series and includes some of Penelope’s recipes, such as mincemeat pie. — Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026 The Sabres’ forecheck made mincemeat of the Bruins’ defense. — Stephen Conroy, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026 Anyone could make mincemeat of these performances. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025 The Sabres’ forecheck made mincemeat of the Bruins’ defense in the first period. — Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mincemeat

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mincemeat was in 1630

Phrases Containing mincemeat

Rhymes for mincemeat

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Cite this Entry

“Mincemeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mincemeat. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mincemeat

noun
mince·​meat ˈmin(t)-ˌsmēt How to pronounce mincemeat (audio)
1
: minced meat
2
: a finely chopped mixture (as of raisins, apples, and spices) with or without meat

More from Merriam-Webster on mincemeat

Nglish: Translation of mincemeat for Spanish Speakers

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