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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of cookout

1945–50, noun use of verb phrase cook out

Example Sentences

The retailer pointed to a promotion where it is offering burgers, hot dogs, buns and all the other essentials for a cookout that feeds eight people for under $5 a person.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 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

A California cookout for 10 guests will cost $90.06, compared with the national average of $70.92 and Western regional average of $73.50, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual “marketbasket” survey.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2025

“No, thanks. Mom said I could invite the family next door to our cookout, and she’s waiting to hear if they’re coming.”

From "Rules" by Cynthia Lord

Related Words

• picnic