Cook Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/kʊk/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person who prepares and cooks food, typically in a professional or domestic setting, often associated with culinary skill and creativity.

Examples

• The cook in charge of the restaurant kitchen was renowned for his signature dishes.
• The home cook was known for her elaborate Sunday roasts.

Synonyms

• Chef
• Culinary expert

Antonyms

• Food critic
• Culinary disaster

Additional Information

Cooks are often skilled in various cooking techniques and are familiar with different cuisines and ingredients. They may work in restaurants, hotels, catering services, or at home to prepare meals for themselves and others.

Cooks are responsible for selecting and preparing ingredients, cooking and presenting dishes, and ensuring that food is safe to eat and meets quality standards.

Cooks may also be responsible for managing kitchen operations, ordering supplies, and training other staff members.

Etymology

The word “cook” derives from the Old English word “coc”, meaning “kitchen” or “to cook”, which is related to the Proto-Germanic word “kukiz”, also meaning “to cook”.

Usage Notes

In everyday conversation, it is common to use the word “cook” to refer to anyone who prepares food, regardless of their level of expertise or profession.

In formal or professional contexts, the term “chef” is often used to refer to a highly skilled cook who is responsible for managing a kitchen or creating complex dishes.

Cultural References

The word “cook” has been featured in various movies, TV shows, and books, often used to describe characters who are skilled in cooking.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“To cook up a storm” means to prepare a large quantity of food with great skill and enthusiasm.

“To be in a cook’s kitchen” means to be familiar with the inner workings of a kitchen and the skills required to cook.

Related Words or Phrases

• Baker
• Chef
• Pastry chef

Collocations

• Cook the meal
• Cook the book

Frequency of Use

The word “cook” is commonly used in everyday conversation and in professional culinary contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Cooke
• Kook