What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
skewer
Example
She skewered the vegetables and meat onto the skewer before grilling them. [skewer: noun]
Example
He skewered the chicken to check if it was cooked through. [skewered: verb]
kebab
Example
I ordered a chicken kebab with rice and salad for lunch. [kebab: noun]
Example
She loves making kebabs with lamb, peppers, and onions. [kebabs: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Kebab is more commonly used than skewer in everyday language, especially when referring to the dish. However, skewer is still a useful term when discussing cooking techniques or tools.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between skewer and kebab?
Both skewer and kebab are relatively informal terms that are appropriate for casual conversation or writing. However, kebab may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with international cuisine and restaurant menus.