veal
n. uncountablen. the meat from a young cow or calf. It is usually lighter in colour and softer than beef from an adult cow.
n. the flesh of a young bovine animal, typically a calf, used as food. Often distinguished from beef by its pale colour and tender texture.
The restaurant serves a traditional veal stew.
Many chefs prefer using veal for certain Italian dishes because it has a more delicate flavour than mature beef.
While veal remains a staple of European haute cuisine, its production has faced significant scrutiny from animal welfare organisations regarding the housing conditions of the calves.
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the meat as a food substance; can be countable when referring to specific types or cuts.
Last updated May 9, 2026