Cook: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate when referring to the general process of preparing any type of meal, especially on the stove.

• She likes to cook dinner every night
• He knows how to cook pasta

Often used in more formal or professional contexts, emphasizing the steps involved in getting food ready to cook or serve.

• The chef prepares the ingredients before cooking
• We need to prepare the vegetables for the stew

Applicable to the creation or assembly of a meal or dish, especially when the specific cooking method is not the focus.

• I'll make a sandwich for lunch
• She made a delicious salad

Used when referring to cooking food in an oven, particularly for items like bread, cakes, and pastries.

• She decided to bake a cake for his birthday
• They love to bake cookies on weekends

Common term used to describe someone who prepares food, generally in less formal settings like home kitchens or casual restaurants.

• My brother is a great cook; he made us an amazing dinner last night.
• She works as a cook in a small café downtown.

Professional term for someone who is trained and skilled in the preparation of food, usually in a formal or high-end restaurant setting.

• Gordon Ramsay is a renowned chef known for his exceptional cooking skills.
• The restaurant hired a new chef to revamp their menu.

More formal and less commonly used term, referring to someone who is skilled in the art of cooking, or has a professional training in culinary arts.

• She graduated from culinary school and is now a professional culinarian.
• The guest speaker at the event is a noted culinarian with over 20 years of experience.

General term used to describe someone who works in a kitchen, which could include roles such as preparatory staff, line cooks, and dishwashers. It may imply a variety of tasks beyond just cooking.

• He started as a kitchen worker and worked his way up to sous-chef.
• The restaurant is hiring more kitchen workers to handle the increasing number of customers.