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

That, along with its bright festive look, make it on-point for that upcoming holiday cookout.

From Washington Post

It was the go-to place for birthdays, cookouts and holidays, filled with the aroma of mac-and-cheese, cornbread and sweet potato pie.

From Washington Post

The website also goes on to list things like cookouts everybody remembers and, you know, that time ol’ Larry won a pie-eating contest.

From Vox

No backyard cookout would be complete without a longneck disposable lighter.

From Popular-Science

The first Juneteenth celebration took place in 1866 in Texas with community gatherings, including sporting events, cookouts, prayers, dances, parades, and the singing of spirituals like “Many Thousands Gone” and “Go Down Moses.”

From Vox

The New York Times later reported that he hosted a variation on a suburban cookout that began with slaughtering a goat.

From The Daily Beast

Here's what to bring, eat, and avoid at your next summer cookout.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• picnic