barbecue
noun, verb
UK/ˈbɑː.bɪ.kjuː/US/ˈbɑːr.bɪ.kjuː/
As a noun, it refers to a meal or gathering at which food is cooked outdoors on a grill or open fire. As a verb, it means to cook food over an open flame or grill, often outdoors, typically using seasoned sauces or marinades.
Example Sentences
We hosted a neighborhood barbecue last weekend.
They love to barbecue chicken and vegetables during summer gatherings.
Every Fourth of July, my family organizes a large barbecue in the backyard with friends, music, and festive decorations that light up the warm evening sky.
She seasoned the ribs before placing them on the barbecue grill for a smoky, savory flavor.
He marinated the steak overnight to ensure it would taste perfect when barbecued.
Many parks have designated spaces where people can set up their own barbecue for a fun outdoor meal.
The aroma from the barbecue drifted through the neighborhood, enticing everyone to join the feast and share in the lively conversation and laughter.
In some cultures, barbecue is more than just a cooking method; it's a social tradition that brings families and communities together for celebration and camaraderie.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Slow-cooking food over smoke or heat for a distinct, smoky flavor.“Barbecue” is both a cooking method and a social tradition deeply rooted in preparing food outdoors. To use the term in everyday or specialized contexts, think of it as describing either an event—like “We’re having a family barbecue on Saturday”—or the process—“I plan to barbecue some ribs.” When you say “barbecue,” you typically imply cooking meat (though vegetables work, too) over a charcoal or wood-fired grill, which imparts a signature smoky taste. Some people use gas grills, but classic barbecue enthusiasts emphasize that the true essence comes from controlling heat, smoke, and cooking time. In a broader sense, “barbecue” can also describe a style of flavor that relies on marinades, rubs, or sauces, often sweet, tangy, or spicy. Regions around the world have their take on barbecue: American styles (like Texan, Carolina, or Kansas City) differ from, say, Argentine asado or Korean barbecue. Thus, you can use “barbecue” to reference cuisine, techniques, or cultural gatherings that revolve around smoky, grilled fare. In casual conversation, “barbecue” can refer to the backyard event, the equipment itself—“Pass me the barbecue tongs”—or the process: “I’ll barbecue a batch of chicken.” Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, barbecue remains a communal experience—an opportunity to gather friends and family around delicious food. As a verb, it can convey the action of cooking; as a noun, it can refer to the meal or the gathering. In all settings, “barbecue” suggests a friendly, flavorful way to prepare and share food.
Alternatives
If you want to talk about a similar concept without using the word “barbecue,” you have various options. “Grill” or “grilling” often implies cooking food quickly over direct heat, usually with noticeable charring and grill marks, though it doesn’t inherently focus on smoke flavor. “Smoked cooking” highlights the specific role of wood or charcoal smoke in flavoring the food, which can be helpful if you want to emphasize the smoky aspect rather than the communal, event-like feel. Another term is “cookout,” a casual gathering where friends or family come together to eat grilled or smoked foods outdoors; it often implies a more relaxed get-together. “Roast” is sometimes used, especially for large cuts of meat cooked for a longer time, but this doesn’t always convey the outdoorsy social setting typical of barbecue. In some areas, “braai” is the local term for an open-fire cookout, particularly in South African culture, carrying its own unique traditions and social importance. By choosing words like “grill,” “smoke,” “cookout,” “roast,” or “braai,” you can hint at the flavors or the cultural context you wish to emphasize, whether you’re discussing the culinary technique, the type of heat source, or the social gathering aspect. This variety of alternatives allows you to be more precise when describing your outdoor cooking and dining experiences in different cultural or personal contexts.
Writing
When writing about “barbecue,” clarity and sensory detail can bring your text to life. Start by indicating whether you’re referencing the event (“a neighborhood barbecue,” “a celebratory family barbecue”) or the method (“barbecuing meat low and slow”). If you describe the method, highlight key elements like heat management, use of smoke, and seasoning rubs or sauces. These details illustrate the careful balance between temperature and time that defines truly successful barbecue. For a cultural or historical perspective, note how different regions have developed their own distinct variations, from spicy Korean barbecue marinades to the vinegar-based sauces of Carolina. As you craft your narrative, employ sensory language—describe the hickory aroma wafting through the air or the succulent texture of well-prepared smoked brisket. This technique immerses readers and helps them imagine the tastes, smells, and atmosphere associated with barbecue gatherings. If your aim is instructional, include step-by-step guidelines, tips for seasoning, and recommended cooking times. In more reflective pieces, you could discuss how a simple backyard barbecue fosters community, or why slow-cooking methods reflect traditional culinary values. Strive to balance factual detail with descriptive writing so your readers can appreciate both the technique and the experience of barbecue.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “barbecue” often conjures images of warm weather, friends, and good food. If you’re chatting about weekend plans, you might say, “We’re having a barbecue on Sunday—bring a side dish!” It’s a quick way to set the tone for an outdoor get-together. If someone’s uncertain about what “barbecue” involves, you might explain, “We’ll grill burgers, chicken, and vegetables, and hang out in the backyard.” This implies a relaxed, informal vibe where everyone chips in or brings something to share. It’s also common to use “barbecue” as a verb: “Are you barbecuing tonight?” or “I’m barbecuing some steaks. Want to come over?” Such phrasing offers an open invitation and suggests a casual, sociable environment. When you describe the food, you could say, “I love the smoky taste you get when you barbecue ribs,” or “I’ve been experimenting with new barbecue sauces.” These comments keep the atmosphere light and fun. Whether it’s a small family dinner or a larger social event, mentioning “barbecue” in conversation quickly signals an opportunity to relax, socialize, and enjoy a communal meal, often outdoors when the weather’s nice.
Etymology
The term “barbecue” likely originates from the Taíno word “barabicu,” noted by Spanish explorers in the Caribbean as early as the 16th century. This indigenous term referred to a wooden framework used for roasting or smoking meat over an open fire. The Spaniards adopted the word, which eventually evolved into “barbacoa” in Spanish. From there, it made its way into English as “barbecue,” carrying both the sense of a cooking apparatus and a method for slow-cooking meat. Over time, the practice spread throughout the American South, where unique regional styles emerged, relying on local ingredients—hickory in some states, mesquite in others—and developing varied sauces like tomato-based, vinegar-based, or mustard-based. Each locale’s preference shaped what “barbecue” meant, from the cut of meat to the particular cooking techniques. Today, barbecue has broadened to encompass grilling, roasting, or smoking foods in myriad ways around the globe, reflecting a universal appreciation for flavorful, fire-kissed fare. Yet at its core, the word itself retains echoes of its indigenous roots and the communal spirit of cooking together, outdoors, around the heat and smoke of a shared fire.