Meaning & Definition of word "Barbecue"

Barbecue

/ˈbɑːbɪkjuː/

noun:

  • 1. A meal or gathering at which food is cooked outdoors on a grill or over an open flame.
    • Example: We're having a barbecue this weekend with friends in the backyard.
  • 2. A grill or cooking apparatus used for cooking food outdoors.
    • Example: I bought a new barbecue to make the summer cookouts even better.
  • 3. A style of cooking that involves grilling food over wood or coal fire, often with a marinade or sauce.
    • Example: The barbecue ribs were the highlight of the festival.

verb:

  • 1. To cook food on a barbecue or grill.
    • Example: We’re going to barbecue some steaks for dinner.
  • 2. To entertain guests with food cooked outdoors on a grill.
    • Example: They decided to barbecue for their neighbors to celebrate the holiday.

Etymology

The word 'barbecue' comes from the Spanish 'barbacoa', which refers to a method of cooking meat over an open fire.

Common Phrases and Expressions

barbecue sauce:

A tangy sauce used for flavoring meat during grilling.

barbecue time:

A casual expression indicating it's time to grill or have a cookout.

barbecue party:

A social event centered around outdoor cooking, typically with grilled food.

Related Words

grill:

To cook food over direct heat, often on a grill.

smoke:

To cook food slowly over low heat with smoke from wood or charcoal.

charcoal:

A form of carbon used as fuel for grilling.

Slang Meanings of barbecue

Meaning: Barbie

Example Sentence: We're firing up the barbie this evening!

Meaning: Throw some shrimp on the barbie

Example Sentence: Let's throw some shrimp on the barbie this weekend!