Beef Meaning and Definition
Beef
Pronunciation
/bɛf/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A type of red meat obtained from cattle, pigs, or sheep, often consumed cooked and seasoned.
Examples
- I’m craving a juicy beef burger.
- Beef can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling and roasting.
Synonyms
- Meat
- Protein
Antonyms
- Fish
- Vegetables
Etymology
The word “beef” originates from the Old French word “boef”, meaning “cow”. It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to cattle and their meat.
Additional Information
Beef can be classified into several categories, including grass-fed, grain-fed, and Wagyu. It is a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world and is often used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, stews, and sandwiches.
Usage Notes
When referring to beef, it is often used as a noun to describe the meat itself, whereas when referring to an argument or conflict, the phrase “to take someone to beef” means to challenge or disagree with them.
Cultural References
Beef has been referenced in popular culture, such as in the phrase “beefing”, which means to engage in a rivalry or competition, often with a humorous or ironic tone.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To take someone to beef: to challenge or disagree with someone
- To have beef with someone: to have a grudge or resentment towards someone
Related Words or Phrases
- Meat
- Poultry
- Protein
Collocations
- a beef patty
- a beef sandwich
- beef stew
Frequency of Use
Beef is a commonly used word in modern language, particularly in cooking and culinary contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Beafe
- Beeef
- Beefe