barbecue
UK: ˈbɑːbɪkjuː | US: ˈbɑːrbɪkjuː
n. 1. A method of cooking food over an open flame or hot coals, typically outdoors.
n. 2. A social gathering where food is cooked and eaten outdoors in this manner.
vt. To cook (food) using this method.
The word "barbecue" originates from the Spanish "barbacoa," borrowed from the Taíno (Arawakan) word "barabicu," meaning a wooden framework for cooking meat over fire. The Spanish interpreted the term as "barba" (beard) + "coa" (a type of stick), though this is folk etymology. The modern spelling and meaning evolved in English through colonial exchanges in the Caribbean and Americas, reflecting the cooking method's cultural adoption.
We’re hosting a barbecue in the backyard this weekend.
He loves to barbecue ribs with his secret sauce.
The smell of barbecue filled the air at the park.
She grilled vegetables on the barbecue for a healthier option.
Barbecue is a popular tradition in Southern U.S. cuisine.