Beef: meaning, definitions and examples

Used as slang to describe a disagreement or conflict between people, often with a negative connotation.

• He has beef with his coworker over the project
• There's some beef between those two since last year

A general term for animal flesh used as food. It's not specific to beef and can refer to any animal.

• He doesn't eat meat at all
• There are different types of meat available in the market

Refers specifically to a thick slice of high-quality beef, usually cooked by grilling, broiling, or frying.

• She ordered a sirloin steak for dinner
• Cooking a perfect steak requires practice

Commonly used when talking about a specific type of fast food, usually ground beef formed into a patty and served in a bun.

• Let's grab a burger for lunch
• They have the best cheeseburgers in town

Use this word informally to express a minor or personal complaint, often between individuals.

• She has a beef with him over the way he talks to people

This is a formal or informal expression of dissatisfaction or annoyance, commonly used in customer service or administrative contexts.

• She filed a complaint with the management about the noise

This word is used for a formal distress or unfair treatment within an organizational context, often involving employee relations.

• The employee filed a grievance against the company's unfair policies

Use this term for a serious disagreement or argument, often involving legal or formal procedures.

• The neighbors are in a dispute over the property line

Often used in informal settings to refer to a complaint or a problem someone has, especially in disputes or conflicts. It can have a slightly negative connotation when used this way.

• He has a beef with his neighbor over the loud music

Refers to expressing dissatisfaction about something, usually in a negative tone. It is used in both formal and informal settings.

• She complained to the manager about the poor service

Used in both formal and informal situations to describe expressing differing opinions or positions, often in a heated manner.

• They argue about politics almost every day

Used in formal contexts to refer to a disagreement or argument, especially involving legal, political, or significant issues.

• The contract dispute led to a lengthy court battle