bacon

noun

ba·​con ˈbā-kən 

sometimes -kᵊŋ

1

a

: a side of a pig cured and smoked

also : the thin strips cut from bacon

b

: thin strips of meat other than pork that is cured and smoked

turkey bacon

2

: money

specifically : money gained through employment or legislation

—usually used in the phrase bring home the bacon

Examples of bacon in a Sentence

We ate bacon and eggs for breakfast.

Recent Examples on the Web

For breakfast, grab a cup of coffee from George Howell’s and a Union Square Donut (especially the maple bacon flavor). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

His standard breakfast includes eggs, some oatmeal, bacon, a little glass of orange juice and lots of water. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

Perhaps you’re used to ordering omelets alongside bacon and hash browns for brunch, but this hearty egg dish is also an ideal solo supper. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Sep. 2026

Breakfast includes eggs, bacon and sausage, omelets, pancakes, waffles, and biscuits and gravy, while lunch expands into burgers, subs, seafood platters, salads and daily comfort-food specials. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German bahho side of bacon, bah back — more at back

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing bacon

• back bacon
• bring home the bacon
• Canadian bacon
• save someone's bacon/hide/neck/skin

Rhymes for bacon

• shaken
• taken
• takin
• waken
• awaken
• betaken
• forsaken
• mistaken
• partaken
• retaken
• unshaken
• godforsaken

Kids Definition

bacon

noun

ba·​con ˈbā-kən 

1

: salted and smoked meat from the sides and the back of a pig

2

: money gained through employment or legislation

bring home the bacon

Biographical Definition

Bacon 1 of 4

biographical name (1)

Ba·​con ˈbā-kən 

Francis 1561–1626 1st Baron Verulam ˈver-(y)ə-ləm  Viscount St. Albans sānt-ˈȯl-bənz 

sənt-

English philosopher

Bacon

2 of 4

biographical name (2)

Francis 1909–1992 British (Irish-born) painter

Bacon

3 of 4

biographical name (3)

Nathaniel 1647–1676 American colonial leader

Bacon

4 of 4

biographical name (4)

Roger circa 1220–1292 English philosopher and scientist