Cookout - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A cookout is an informal outdoor gathering where food, often grilled or barbecued, is served. It typically involves friends or family enjoying meals together in a relaxed setting, such as a backyard or park.
Definition:
An outdoor meal or party where food is cooked and eaten, often grilled.
Synonyms:
barbecue, grill party, outdoor feast
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
indoor dinner, formal banquet
Common Collocations:
summer cookout, family cookout, backyard cookout, holiday cookout, grill at a cookout
Derivatives:
cookouts (plural), cookouting (gerund)
Usage Tips:
Use "cookout" for casual outdoor gatherings with grilled food; avoid for formal events.
Common Phrases:
throw a cookout, cookout season, rain or shine cookout
Etymology:
Derived from "cook" + "out," referring to cooking and eating outdoors (early 20th century).
Examples:
- 1. We’re hosting a cookout this weekend—bring your favorite side dish!
- 2. The smell of burgers filled the air at the neighborhood cookout.
- 3. They set up tables and chairs in the yard for the cookout.
- 4. A summer cookout isn’t complete without cold drinks and good music.