barbecue - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
barbecue Word Meanings
- A method of cooking food over an open flame.
- A social gathering for grilling food.
- To cook food using a barbecue grill.
barbecue Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
barbecue Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈbɑːbəkuː/
US
/ˈbɑrbɪˌkju/
barbecue Word Etymology
barbecue = barbe (beard) + cue (stick). Historically, it comes from the Spanish 'barbacoa', which descends from the Taino word for a wooden grill. Imagine a wooden grill with beads hanging from it, symbolizing the cooking of meats over fire.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Barbecue is a versatile word in English that covers both a cooking method and a social event. As a noun, it can refer to a barbecue grill and the act of cooking food over an open flame, often with smoke and slow heat. As a verb, to barbecue means to cook food outdoors on a grill, or more generally to roast over heat. In everyday usage, people talk about a barbecue as a gathering—people, food, and casual conversation. The term also appears in phrases like barbecue sauce or barbecue party. In many places, BBQ is the common shorthand, while barbecue itself remains widely understood in formal writing.
Usage Reminders
- - Barbecue can be a noun or a verb; use it for both the event and the cooking method.
- - BBQ is the common informal abbreviation in many regions.
- - Distinguish barbecue as a cooking method from grill/grilling as the device or action.
- - Use barbecue sauce or barbecue ribs to talk about specific foods.
- - Decide between countable and uncountable usage: a barbecue (event) vs barbecue (method).
Common Misconceptions
- Barbecue is just a dish, not a cooking method
- BBQ always refers to meat grilled quickly over direct heat
- Barbecue and grill are interchangeable in all contexts
- Barbecue only happens outdoors
- Barbecue and barbeque are totally different spellings with different meanings
Thinking Differences
Barbecue is polysemous in English (method and event). Learners from many languages will map it to a single concept, often missing the social meaning or misusing BBQ as only a dish. Also, informality of BBQ requires awareness of register in writing.
Learning Tips
- Practice making a sentence with barbecue as a method and as an event.
- Recognize BBQ as informal; reserve barbecue for formal contexts.
- Use barbecue sauce or barbecue ribs to talk about foods.
- Pair barbecue with collocations like barbecue grill or barbecue party.
- Be aware of regional spelling variants (barbecue vs barbeque).
- Include both noun and verb uses in your practice sentences.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'barbecue'?
A.Grill cooking method
B.Outdoor party
C.Fast food chain
D.Dance style
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'barbecue' used correctly?
A.She wore a barbecue dress to the party.
B.They invited friends over for a barbecue in the backyard.
C.He barbecued his homework before turning it in.
D.The barbecue was canceled due to rain.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'barbecue'?
A.Picnic
B.Bake
C.Swim
D.Fry
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'barbecue'?
A.Roast
B.Toast
C.Boil
D.Steam
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you most likely encounter a 'barbecue'?
A.Office meeting
B.Library book club
C.Family reunion in the park
D.Solo hiking trip
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