What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
barbecue
Example
Let's have a barbecue in the backyard this weekend. [barbecue: noun]
Example
He barbecued some delicious ribs for dinner. [barbecued: past tense verb]
cookout
Example
We're having a cookout at the park tomorrow. [cookout: noun]
Example
They cooked out hamburgers and hotdogs for the party. [cooked out: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cookout is more commonly used than barbecue in everyday language. Cookout is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts and regions, while barbecue is more specific and may be more commonly used in certain regions or when referring to a specific type of food.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between barbecue and cookout?
Both barbecue and cookout are generally informal and casual terms. They are commonly used in relaxed and social settings, such as family gatherings, picnics, or parties. However, barbecue can sometimes be associated with a more specialized or traditional cooking method, which may give it a slightly more formal connotation in certain contexts.
