cookout

or cook-out

[ kook-out ]

noun

1. a party or entertainment featuring the cooking and eating of a meal out of doors.
2. the process of cooking and eating a meal outdoors.
3. a meal cooked and eaten in the open.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or intended for use or consumption at a cookout.

cookout

/ ˈkʊkˌaʊt /

noun

1. a party where a meal is cooked and eaten out of doors

Word History and Origins

Origin of cookout¹

1945–50, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase cook out

Example Sentences

So the Democratic National Convention turned Chicago’s United Center into the world’s biggest cookout.

From Salon

One girl described a paseo de olla, a hike in Colombia in which members each bring a different ingredient to contribute to a cookout of a big communal stew.

From Los Angeles Times

We always call it a cookout where I'm from.

From Salon

Thinking about food safety isn’t anyone’s idea of fun, but neither is ruining memories of a fun cookout by getting sick.

From Seattle Times

On Sept. 21, 2021, a few weeks after he was released for the last time, he was planning to celebrate his 50th birthday with a cookout for family and friends.

From New York Times

Related Words

• picnic