n.
Variant: also bar · be · que
Function: noun
Etymology: American Spanish barbacoa framework for supporting meat over a fire, probably from Taino
Date: 1709
1 a : a large animal (as a steer) roasted whole or split over an open fire or a fire in a pit b : barbecued food <eat barbecue >
2 : a social gathering especially in the open air at which barbecued food is eaten
3 : an often portable fireplace over which meat and fish are roasted