Word
grilling
US/ˈɡɹɪɫɪŋ/
UK/ɡɹˈɪlɪŋ/
Countable noun Informal
Definition
n. a long period of intense and difficult questioning. You usually face this when someone wants to find out the truth or test your knowledge.
n. a period of intense, relentless, or aggressive questioning. Often used in contexts involving police interrogations, political interviews, or strict parental inquiries.
Examples
“The boss gave him a real grilling about the missing files.”
“After the team lost the final match, the coach gave the players a tough grilling in the locker room.”
“The minister faced a fierce grilling from the opposition during the committee hearing, with every policy failure being scrutinized under the public eye.”
Examples
simple
“The boss gave him a real grilling about the missing files.”
contextual
“After the team lost the final match, the coach gave the players a tough grilling in the locker room.”
complex
“The minister faced a fierce grilling from the opposition during the committee hearing, with every policy failure being scrutinized under the public eye.”
Usage
Commonly used with the verb 'give' or 'get'.
Pitfall
The police made a grilling to the suspect
The police gave the suspect a grilling
Grilling collocations typically use 'give' or 'receive', not 'make'.
Real-World Examples
“Around him, many stalls and grilling stations sit empty.” “This process leaves behind a carbon-rich material that burns hotter and more cleanly than raw wood, making it ideal for grilling.” “Using small pieces of food for grilling means there is tons of surface area for bold seasonings and marinades.” Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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