Search Dictionary
Definition of gristle

gristle

/ˈɡrɪs.əl/
gris · tle
Plural:gristles
•
Adjective:gristly
JUMP TO:

gristle Lexical Profile

gristle Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Tough, flexible connective tissue or cartilage, especially when found as an unpalatable, chewy portion in meat prepared for eating.

Example

"The inexpensive cut of steak was full of tough gristle that had to be trimmed away before cooking."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gristle

• Rhymes for gristle

• Nearby Words

griptape
grisly
grist
gristle
gristly
gristmill
grit

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English gristel, meaning 'cartilage,' derived from a Proto-Germanic root related to grinding or gnashing teeth, referring to the crunching sound made when chewing tough connective tissue.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gristle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gristle
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.