grill
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a frame of metal bars used for cooking food over a fire or under heat.
n.a device consisting of a metal grating used for cooking food by means of direct radiative heat.
Simple“Put the burgers on the grill once the coals are hot.”
In context“The chef cleaned the stainless steel grill thoroughly before searing the marinated vegetables over the high-intensity flame.”
UsageIn British English, the heat source is typically above the food; in American English, it is usually below.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the metal or plastic cover at the front of a car that lets air in.
n.a grating at the front of a vehicle that allows air to circulate to the radiator while protecting the engine compartment.
Simple“The front grill of the truck was damaged in the accident.”
In context“The luxury sedan featured a distinctive chrome grill that became a signature design element for the entire brand.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
n.a piece of jewelry, often made of gold or silver, worn over the teeth.
n.a type of decorative dental jewelry, typically removable, worn over the front teeth.
Simple“The rapper showed off his new diamond-encrusted grill in the music video.”
In context“While popular in certain hip-hop subcultures, wearing a heavy gold grill for extended periods can lead to dental hygiene issues.”
Teacher's tipOften spelled 'grillz' in pop culture contexts.
Synonyms - 04 A2 Elementary
v.to cook food on a metal frame over or under very strong heat.
v.to cook food by exposure to direct, intense radiant heat.
Simple“We decided to grill some fish for dinner instead of frying it.”
In context“The recipe suggests you grill the peaches for two minutes on each side until they develop clear char marks and a smoky flavour.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to ask someone many difficult questions for a long time to find out the truth.
v.to subject someone to intense, persistent, and often aggressive questioning.
Simple“My parents grilled me about where I had been all night.”
In context“The detectives grilled the suspect for six hours, hoping to find inconsistencies in his alibi before the formal charges were filed.”
Synonyms
1655, from French gril, from Middle French gril, from Old French greïl, graïl (“gridiron”), from graïlle (“grate, grating”), from Latin crātīcula (“gridiron”), diminutive of crātis (“hurdle, wickerwork”), q.v. Related to griddle, hurdle.
From Middle English grillen (“to anger, provoke”), from Old English grillan, griellan (“to annoy, vex, offend”), from Proto-West Germanic *gralljan (“to shout, make angry”). Cognate with Saterland Frisian grulje (“to make angry”), Dutch grillen (“to shudder, shiver”), Low German vergrellen (“to anger, provoke”), German grollen (“to rumble”) and perhaps also with French grouiller (“to swarm”).
From Middle English gril, grille (“harsh, rough, severe”), from Old English grielle, from Proto-West Germanic grallī (“angry”), from Proto-Indo-European *gʰer- (“to rattle, make a noise, grumble”). Cognate with German grell (“harsh, angry”), Danish grel (“shrill, glaring, dazzling”).
From Middle English grille, from Old English grylla, griella, from Proto-West Germanic *gralljō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.