barbecue

Everyday

1. A metal grill or frame used for cooking food outdoors over hot coals, wood or gas. tree →
2. An outdoor meal or party where food is cooked like this. tree →
3. To cook food on a barbecue. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, families in Australia, New Zealand, the USA and elsewhere have barbecues in summer. In safety lessons, children keep away from a hot barbecue, never play near it, and an adult must be in charge; meat must be cooked right through. Phrases: have a barbecue, barbecue sauce, throw a barbecue, a barbie (Australia).

Examples

• We had a barbecue in the back garden. tree →
• Dad barbecued sausages and corn. tree →
• Keep away from the hot barbecue. tree →
• Make sure the chicken is cooked right through. tree →
• We're invited to a barbecue on Saturday. tree →
• Pass the barbecue sauce, please. tree →

Note

Countable. Also written "BBQ" and, in Australia and New Zealand, "barbie" (informal). Spelling: barbecue (not "barbeque" in careful writing). Safety: a barbecue stays hot long after cooking, and you should never use one indoors.