cookout

American  

[kook-out] / ˈkʊkˌaʊt /

Or cook-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.

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adjective

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

cookout British  

/ ˈkʊkˌaʊt /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of cookout

1945–50, noun use of verb phrase cook out

Example Sentences

Her pig roast is also part salmon bake and part old-school cookout, a beautiful gathering of nations grooving to an eclectic vibe I’ve tried to replicate here.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

While beef burgers are a Memorial Day cookout staple for many, there are more affordable options such as hot dogs, turkey burgers and chicken.

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

He met with co-workers during a cookout at the Speed Kingz office in Laurel, Md., ahead of a recent night shift.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

It’s hard to imagine Congressman Gill objecting to someone tearing into a brisket sandwich at a backyard cookout.

From Salon • Jul. 3, 2025

So who was having a cookout with a wildfire marching toward them?

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

Related Words

• picnic