barbecue
barbecue Lexical Profile
barbecue Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An outdoor meal or social gathering at which food is cooked over an open fire or on a grill.
"We invited the neighbors over for a backyard barbecue on Sunday afternoon."
A grill, pit, or outdoor framework used for cooking food over an open fire or hot coals.
"He bought a new gas barbecue for the patio just in time for the summer."
Meat or other food that has been cooked on a grill or open fire, often slow-smoked and basted in a highly seasoned sauce.
"The restaurant is famous for its authentic Texas barbecue and tender brisket."
• verb
To cook meat, fish, or other food outdoors on a rack over an open fire or on a portable grill, often applying a highly seasoned sauce.
"They decided to barbecue the ribs instead of roasting them in the oven."
Word Nuance & Usage
In American culinary contexts, 'barbecuing' typically refers to cooking meat slowly over indirect heat and smoke, whereas 'grilling' refers to cooking quickly over direct heat, though the terms are often used interchangeably in casual conversation.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Mid 17th century: from American Spanish 'barbacoa', originating from the Arawak/Taino word 'barbakoa', which referred to a wooden framework on posts used for sleeping or curing meat.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.