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

The My Hut Box comes with either melts – other flavors include pepperoni lover's, buffalo chicken, chicken bacon Parmesan and meat lover's – or a two-topping personal pan pizza, a side of fries or four boneless wings and a 20-ounce drink. —Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 15 May 2024

For less than $5, the restaurant serves classic Austin breakfast tacos like the Otto, with double bacon, avocado, black beans and Jack cheese. —Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2024

Some of the food items to be served include acai bowls, breakfast sandwiches, French toast, omelette and a poutine bowl with two eggs, rosemary fries, bacon and chorizo. —The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2024

So on special days — Mother’s Day, for instance — that candied maple bacon donut from Do-Rite that mom loves or cuisine she’s been dying to try can be delivered right to your front door. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2024

The Vermont maple farm burger includes two beef patties, bacon, a fried egg and sharp cheddar cheese — with a maple syrup and onion aioli — on a locally baked brioche bun. —Philip Freeman, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2024

There will be rotating eggs Benedict offerings, salmon, sausage and peppers, potatoes, mini pierogi, applewood bacon, dinner items and a raw bar featuring peel-and-eat shrimp, lobster ceviche and oysters. —Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 5 May 2024

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the bacon generously with the syrup mixture. —Fox News, 3 May 2024

Protein: Add protein with cooked bacon or diced ham. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 3 May 2024

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

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