1
: rightly or properly performed
2
: cooked thoroughly
a well-done steak

Examples of well-done in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In contrast with the Clippers’ 2015 rebrand, the execution of this venture is extremely well-done. Shane Young, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 How to cook salmon Salmon can be served medium-rare to almost well-done, which translates to an internal temperature of 110 to 140 degrees F in the center of the thickest part of the meat. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 14 Feb. 2024 Congratulations to him on a job more than well-done. Dan Wolken, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2024 Our conversation had no effect on the final burger, which was cooked well-done, not a hint of pink within that thick patty. Tim Carman, Washington Post, 13 Nov. 2023 Unless otherwise requested, your burger will be cooked well-done, with no shade of pink visible to the naked eye. Tim Carman, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2023 The outer meat layers were medium-well or even well-done depending on the portion of backstrap, but the middle was still juicy and tasty. Jack Hennessy, Outdoor Life, 3 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'well-done.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of well-done was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near well-done

Cite this Entry

“Well-done.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/well-done. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

well-done

adjective
-ˈdən
1
: done right
2
: cooked thoroughly
a well-done steak

More from Merriam-Webster on well-done

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!