Roast: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'roast' when you cook food, especially meat, in an oven or over an open flame, typically with dry heat. This method is often used for large pieces of meat or whole birds like chicken or turkey.

• She decided to roast a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner
• They roasted vegetables alongside the lamb

'Grill' refers to cooking food over direct heat, typically on a grill rack above hot coals or gas flames. It is often used for burgers, steaks, and vegetables.

• Let's grill some burgers for lunch
• They grilled vegetables as a side dish

'Barbecue' is generally used when cooking food, particularly meat, slowly over low, indirect heat, often with the addition of smoke for flavor. This term is commonly associated with outdoor cooking.

• We're having a barbecue this weekend; bring your favorite grill items
• He barbecued ribs for the party

'Broil' is used when cooking food directly under high, intense heat from above, usually in an oven. It is used for quickly cooking small portions of food, like steaks or vegetables.

• She decided to broil the salmon to get a nice crispy top
• He broiled the chicken breasts for dinner

This is a repeat of the previous word 'roast.' See the above definition.

In British English, 'joint' is commonly used to describe a large piece of meat that is cooked whole and then sliced. It is typically used in the context of traditional family meals.

• We're having a joint of beef for dinner.
• The butcher recommended this joint for the roast.

Roasted meat refers to any meat that has been cooked by roasting. It is a general term and can be used to describe the dish without specifying the type of meat.

• The roasted meat was tender and flavorful.
• I prefer roasted meat over grilled meat.

Carving refers to the act of slicing meat, usually in front of others as part of a meal. It often involves a large piece of meat such as a turkey, ham, or roast.

• Dad is in charge of carving the turkey at Thanksgiving.
• Would you like to do the carving, or should I?