Beef

/biːf/

Meaning & Definition

noun

the flesh of a cow, bull, or ox used as food.

We had a delicious beef stew for dinner.

a complaint or problem.

He has a beef with his manager about the work schedule.

verb

to provide with beef or to add beef to something.

We're going to beef up the security at the event.

to complain or express dissatisfaction.

She was beefing about the poor service at the restaurant.

From Middle English 'beef', via Old French from Latin 'bovem', accusative of 'bos' meaning cow.

beef up

To strengthen or augment something.

have a beef

To have a complaint or grievance.

beef with

A conflict or argument with someone.

bovine

Relating to cattle.

steak

A slice of meat from a cow.

hamburger

A cooked patty of ground beef.

A problem or issue.

I've got a beef with the way they treated my friend.

An argument or fight.

They had a beef after the game.