Barbeque: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is often used in American English to describe outdoor cooking activities typically involving meat, such as ribs, chicken, or brisket, which are cooked slowly over low heat with smoke. It can refer to both the cooking method and the social event.

• We're having a barbeque in the backyard this weekend.
• The secret to great barbeque is in the sauce and the slow cooking process.

Grilling involves cooking food quickly over direct heat, usually on a grill. It's common for cooking steaks, burgers, hot dogs, and vegetables. This method is faster than barbeque or smoking.

• We're grilling some burgers for dinner tonight.
• He prefers grilling his vegetables rather than boiling them.

Smoking is the process of cooking food slowly using smoke from burning wood or charcoal. It imparts a distinctive smoky flavor. This method is often used for meats like brisket, jerky, and smoked fish.

• The meat was smoked for several hours to achieve the perfect flavor.
• Smoking fish requires patience and the right equipment.

An alternative spelling for 'barbecue', more common in American English. It refers to the same cooking method and social event.

• The summer barbeque is my favorite event of the year.
• He prepared a fantastic barbeque chicken for us.

Specifically refers to a social event where food is cooked and eaten outdoors. Not limited to grilling and can include other types of outdoor food preparation.

• We're planning a cookout by the lake this weekend.
• A cookout is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and good food.

A shorthand or informal way of referring to a barbecue event or the food prepared at it. Often seen in casual conversation or advertisements.

• We're having a BBQ on Saturday.
• I can't wait for the BBQ party!

The term 'grill' is ideal for describing the act of cooking food quickly over high heat, mainly over a metal grate. It can also refer to the appliance used for this type of cooking.

• He likes to grill burgers every Saturday
• Can you preheat the grill for the steaks?

Use 'smoke' when describing a method of cooking that uses smoke to flavor and cook the food, usually over a longer period. It often applies to meats and fish.

• He smoked the salmon for the party
• They use a special cooker to smoke ribs for hours