shiitake

1 of 2

noun (1)

shii·​ta·​ke shē-ˈtä-kē How to pronounce shiitake (audio)
variants or less commonly shitake
: a dark Asian mushroom (Lentinula edodes of the family Omphalotaceae) widely cultivated especially on woods of the beech family for its edible flavorful tan to brown cap

shitake

2 of 2

noun (2)

shi·​ta·​ke

less common spelling of shiitake

: a dark Asian mushroom (Lentinula edodes of the family Omphalotaceae) widely cultivated especially on woods of the beech family for its edible flavorful tan to brown cap

Examples of shiitake in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Do not miss the mushroom campanelli with shiitake and oyster mushrooms. — Karon Warren, AJC.com, 30 Apr. 2026 Haricots verts and shiitake mushrooms cook in bacon drippings, then get folded into a cream sauce made with garlic-and-herb cheese and a splash of white wine. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2026
Noun
Among the fillings are teriyaki chicken, tempura shrimp and shitake mushrooms. — Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025 Brussels sprouts, shitake mushrooms, and matchstick carrots accompany the salmon in this rice bowl. — Phoebe Evans, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shiitake

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Japanese, from shii, the Japanese chinquapin + take mushroom

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shiitake was in 1877

Rhymes for shiitake

See All Rhymes for shiitake

Browse Nearby Words

Shiism
shiitake
Shiite
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shiitake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shiitake. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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