ENGLISH
REFERENCE

veal

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈviɫ// UK //vˈiːl// veal Slang Vulgar

n. 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.


SIMPLE

The restaurant serves a traditional veal stew.

CONTEXTUAL

Many chefs prefer using veal for certain Italian dishes because it has a more delicate flavour than mature beef.

COMPLEX

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.

Synonyms
Usage

Uncountable when referring to the meat as a food substance; can be countable when referring to specific types or cuts.

© 2026 English Reference