barbecue

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a party or meal where people cook and eat food outdoors.

n. a social gathering, usually held outdoors, where food is cooked on a barbecue and served to guests.

“Our neighbours invited us over for a barbecue on Saturday afternoon.”

“The annual company barbecue provides a relaxed environment for employees from different departments to socialise outside of the office.”

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Cooking

n. meat that has been cooked slowly over a fire, often served with a spicy or sweet sauce.

n. meat, particularly pork or beef, prepared through slow-smoking over indirect heat and often seasoned with a specific rub or sauce.

“I ordered a plate of Texas barbecue with a side of coleslaw.”

“In the southern United States, barbecue refers specifically to the slow-cooked meat itself rather than the act of grilling burgers or hot dogs.”

A2 · Elementary Cooking

v. to cook food on a barbecue grill.

v. to cook food on a barbecue; may refer specifically to slow-smoking or more generally to outdoor grilling.

“We plan to barbecue some chicken and corn for dinner tonight.”

“While some prefer to barbecue vegetables quickly over high heat, tougher cuts of meat require hours of low-temperature smoking to become tender.”

C2 · Proficiency Slang · Vulgar

v. to badly burn or destroy something with intense heat.

v. to kill or destroy using high heat or fire. Transitive use is common in high-intensity slang contexts.

“The dragon in the video game will barbecue your character if you stand too close.”

“The heavy artillery fire threatened to barbecue any infantry caught in the open during the midday assault.”