Cookout: meaning, definitions and examples

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cookout

[ˈkʊkˌaʊt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

summer gathering

A cookout is an outdoor event where food is cooked and served, typically during the summer months. It usually involves grilling or barbecuing various types of meat, vegetables, and other dishes. Cookouts are popular social gatherings that bring people together to enjoy good food and company.

Synonyms

barbecue, grill party.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cookout	Used generally for informal outdoor cooking events, often involving family or friends. It's a casual setting where food is grilled outdoors. We decided to have a cookout at the park this weekend. A cookout is a great way to enjoy the warm weather and good food.
barbecue	Usually refers to both the event and the method of cooking, which involves slow-cooking meat over a low flame and often includes a social gathering. It can be both casual and more formal. We're invited to a barbecue at John's place on Saturday. The barbecue sauce really adds flavor to the ribs.
grill party	Refers specifically to a social gathering where food is cooked on a grill. This is often less formal than a barbecue and focuses more on the event than the cooking method. We're hosting a grill party for the neighborhood this Friday. A grill party is perfect for summer evenings.

Word

Description / Examples

cookout

Used generally for informal outdoor cooking events, often involving family or friends. It's a casual setting where food is grilled outdoors.

We decided to have a cookout at the park this weekend.
A cookout is a great way to enjoy the warm weather and good food.

barbecue

Usually refers to both the event and the method of cooking, which involves slow-cooking meat over a low flame and often includes a social gathering. It can be both casual and more formal.

We're invited to a barbecue at John's place on Saturday.
The barbecue sauce really adds flavor to the ribs.

grill party

Refers specifically to a social gathering where food is cooked on a grill. This is often less formal than a barbecue and focuses more on the event than the cooking method.

We're hosting a grill party for the neighborhood this Friday.
A grill party is perfect for summer evenings.

Examples of usage

We're having a cookout this weekend to celebrate the end of summer.
I love the smell of burgers and hot dogs on the grill at a cookout.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

prepare food outdoors

To cookout means to prepare food outdoors, usually over an open flame or grill. It is a popular cooking method during the summer months when people enjoy the experience of cooking and eating outside.

Synonyms

barbecue, grill.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cookout	Event usually held outdoors where food is cooked over an open flame or grill, often in a casual and social setting. We're having a cookout at the park this Saturday. The family reunion included a big cookout with hamburgers and hot dogs.
grill	The act or method of cooking food over direct heat on a metal grate, as well as the device used for this purpose. Can also refer to an event where this cooking method is used, but less commonly than 'cookout' or 'barbecue'. I love to grill steaks and vegetables on weekends. Do you know how to properly clean the grill after cooking?
barbecue	A social gathering where food, especially meat, is cooked slowly on a grill and typically flavored with a specific type of smoky, sweet, or tangy sauce. He's known for his amazing barbecue ribs. We're hosting a barbecue in our backyard for the Fourth of July.

Word

Description / Examples

cookout

Event usually held outdoors where food is cooked over an open flame or grill, often in a casual and social setting.

We're having a cookout at the park this Saturday.
The family reunion included a big cookout with hamburgers and hot dogs.

grill

The act or method of cooking food over direct heat on a metal grate, as well as the device used for this purpose. Can also refer to an event where this cooking method is used, but less commonly than 'cookout' or 'barbecue'.

I love to grill steaks and vegetables on weekends.
Do you know how to properly clean the grill after cooking?

barbecue

A social gathering where food, especially meat, is cooked slowly on a grill and typically flavored with a specific type of smoky, sweet, or tangy sauce.

He's known for his amazing barbecue ribs.
We're hosting a barbecue in our backyard for the Fourth of July.

Examples of usage

We decided to cookout in the backyard instead of cooking indoors.
Let's cookout some burgers for dinner tonight.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'cookout' combines 'cook' (to prepare food) and 'out' (outside), highlighting its outdoor nature.
It emerged in American English in the early 20th century, reflecting the popularity of grilling during summer.

Cultural Significance

Cookouts are a common tradition in America, especially on holidays like Independence Day and Labor Day.
They often symbolize gatherings that foster community and friendships, providing a relaxed space for social interaction.

Culinary Trends

Modern cookouts have expanded beyond traditional burgers and hot dogs to include vegetarian options like veggie burgers and grilled corn.
Food safety practices have become crucial during cookouts, emphasizing proper handling of raw and cooked meats to prevent illness.

Environmental Impact

Many people are shifting to eco-friendly practices during cookouts, such as using sustainable grilling methods and biodegradable utensils.
Local sourcing of ingredients is becoming more popular, reducing carbon footprints associated with long-distance food transport.

Pop Culture

Cookouts are frequently depicted in movies and television shows as settings for family bonding and character interactions.
Music and games are often part of cookouts, with backyard gatherings showcasing local musicians or friendly sports competitions.

Translations

Translations of the word "cookout" in other languages:

🇵🇹 churrasco

🇮🇳 आउटडोर खाना पकाना

🇩🇪 Grillparty

🇮🇩 pesta barbekyu

🇺🇦 пікнік

🇵🇱 grillowanie

🇯🇵 バーベキュー

🇫🇷 barbecue

🇪🇸 parrillada

🇹🇷 mangal partisi

🇰🇷 야외 요리

🇸🇦 حفلة شواء

🇨🇿 grilování

🇸🇰 grilovačka

🇨🇳 烧烤聚会

🇸🇮 piknik

🇮🇸 útigrill

🇰🇿 шашлык

🇬🇪 ბარბექიუ

🇦🇿 manqal partisi

🇲🇽 parrillada