# veal

/ˈviɫ/ (US) · /vˈiːl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/veal
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

the meat from a young cow or calf. It is usually lighter in colour and softer than beef from an adult cow.

For teachers: the flesh of a young bovine animal, typically a calf, used as food. Often distinguished from beef by its pale colour and tender texture.

## Examples

- 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 notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.