Barbecued Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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barbecued

[ˈbɑːbɪkjuːd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

food

Cooked or prepared on a barbecue grill, typically with a sauce or marinade.

Synonyms

grilled, roasted, smoked.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
barbecued

Commonly used when referring to food cooked over an open flame or on a barbecue grill, often outdoors and with a smoky flavor.

  • We had barbecued chicken and ribs at the family picnic
grilled

Used for food cooked on a grill with direct heat, typically giving it charred lines. This can be done indoors or outdoors.

  • The grilled vegetables added a nice touch to the salad
smoked

Used for food that has been cooked or flavored using smoke, often for preservation and a distinct taste. It is associated with a long, slow cooking process.

  • The restaurant is famous for its smoked salmon dishes
roasted

Refers to food cooked in an oven using dry heat, often for meats or vegetables. It usually implies longer cooking times and a crispy exterior.

  • They served a delicious roasted turkey for Thanksgiving

Examples of usage

  • The barbecued ribs were so tender and flavorful.
  • She ordered a plate of barbecued chicken wings.
Context #2 | Verb

cooking

To cook (food) on a barbecue grill, usually with the addition of a sauce or marinade.

Synonyms

charcoal-broil, cookout, grill.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
barbecued

Refers to food that has been cooked using the barbecue method. Used to describe the preparation style of the food.

  • Barbecued ribs are my favorite
  • The restaurant serves an amazing barbecued pork sandwich
grill

Can refer both to the cooking method of placing food on a grill as well as the equipment used for this method. Can be used more broadly beyond social events.

  • I love to grill vegetables along with the steaks
  • Make sure to clean the grill before you use it
cookout

Usually refers to an informal outdoor event or gathering where food is cooked on a grill. Implies a social setting with family or friends.

  • We're planning a cookout at the beach next weekend
  • A summer cookout is the perfect way to enjoy the warm weather
charcoal-broil

Refers specifically to cooking food on a grill using charcoal as the heat source. Highlights the use of charcoal for adding a distinct smoky flavor.

  • I prefer to charcoal-broil my steaks for that rich, smoky flavor
  • The recipe suggests charcoal-broiling the burgers for the best taste

Examples of usage

  • We barbecued some burgers and hot dogs at the picnic.
  • Do you want to barbecue some steaks for dinner?

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In the United States, barbecues are often associated with summer gatherings, national holidays, and community events.
  • Different regions have their own barbecue styles, such as Texas brisket, Carolina pulled pork, and Kansas City ribs, each with unique flavors and sauces.

Science of Cooking

  • The Maillard reaction occurs during barbecuing, creating a delicious brown crust and enhancing flavors as proteins and sugars react to high heat.
  • Cooking over direct flames infuses food with a smoky flavor, which is a result of compounds released from burning wood or charcoal.

Health Aspects

  • While grilled food can be tasty, cooking meat at high temperatures can produce harmful chemicals, so moderation is advised.
  • Using marinades not only adds flavor but can also reduce the formation of harmful substances during grilling.

Literary References

  • Barbecue scenes often symbolize community, celebration, and the warmth of family gatherings in literature.
  • Famous authors, like Mark Twain, have mentioned barbecue feasts to capture the essence of American culture in their writings.

Origin of 'barbecued'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'barbecue' comes from the Spanish word 'barbacoa', which was used to describe a method of cooking meat over a wooden platform.
  • In the 17th century, the term became popular in the English language to refer to both the cooking method and social gatherings centered around grilled food.

The term 'barbecued' comes from the Spanish word 'barbacoa', which originally referred to a raised wooden platform used by the indigenous people of the Caribbean for cooking meat over a fire. The practice of barbecuing meat has a long history, dating back to indigenous cooking techniques in various cultures. In the United States, barbecue has become a popular cooking method, with regional variations in sauces, meats, and cooking styles.


See also: barbecuing.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,938 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.