barbecue: Meaning and Definition of

bar•be•cue

Pronunciation: (bär'bi-ky"), [key]
— n., v., -cued, -cu•ing.
—n.
  1. pieces of beef, fowl, fish, or the like, roasted over an open hearth, esp. when basted in a barbecue sauce.
  2. a framework, as a grill or a spit, or a fireplace for cooking meat or vegetables over an open fire.
  3. a dressed steer, lamb, or other animal, roasted whole.
  4. a meal, usually in the open air and often as a political or social gathering, at which meats are roasted over an open hearth or pit.
—v.t.
  1. to broil or roast whole or in large pieces over an open fire, on a spit or grill, often seasoning with vinegar, spices, salt, and pepper.
  2. to cook (sliced or diced meat or fish) in a highly seasoned sauce.
—v.i.
  1. to cook by barbecuing or to entertain at a barbecue: If the weather's nice, we'll barbecue in the backyard.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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