ENGLISH
REFERENCE

barbecue

n. · v.
US //ˈbɑɹbɪkˌju// UK //bˈɑːbɪkjˌuː// bar·be·cue
  1. 1 cooking equipment (n.)
    A2 Elementary Cooking

    a metal frame or a special machine used for cooking food outdoors over fire or charcoal.

    an apparatus, typically used outdoors, for grilling or smoking food over charcoal, wood, or gas.

    Example

    We bought a new gas barbecue for the patio so we can cook outside this summer.

    Example

    The chef insisted on using a traditional charcoal barbecue to ensure the meat acquired a distinct smoky flavour that gas grills cannot replicate.
  2. 2 social event (n.)
    A2 Elementary

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The annual company barbecue provides a relaxed environment for employees from different departments to socialise outside of the office.
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  1. 3 style of meat (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Cooking

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    In the southern United States, barbecue refers specifically to the slow-cooked meat itself rather than the act of grilling burgers or hot dogs.
    • smoked meat
  2. 4 to cook outdoors (v.)
    A2 Elementary Cooking

    to cook food on a barbecue grill.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    While some prefer to barbecue vegetables quickly over high heat, tougher cuts of meat require hours of low-temperature smoking to become tender.
  3. 5 to destroy with fire (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang Vulgar

    to badly burn or destroy something with intense heat.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

From mid-17th century. Borrowed from Spanish barbacoa, from Taíno barbakoa (“framework of sticks”), the raised wooden structure the natives used to either sleep on or cure meat. Originally “meal of roasted meat or fish”. Doublet of balbacua and barbacoa.

Word family

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