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 a twist on shrimp and grits, try this easy seafood recipe that features rice, shrimp, crabmeat, bacon, and plenty of Cajun seasoning. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2024

Increase oven temperature to broil, and broil 5 minutes or until bacon is crisp. —Pam Lolley and Robby Melvin, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2024

The sandwich is definitely stacked, with layers of sliced turkey, strips of bacon, provolone, thick rounds of tomato and lettuce, plus mayo and mustard. —Vanessa Franko, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2024

At Surveyor, expect new takes on classic Americana fare for breakfast and brunch (think: chicken and waffles and a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit). —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2024

The cost of uncooked ground beef increased by 0.7%, bacon jumped by 0.9% and eggs surged by 4.6% amid another bird flu outbreak. —Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024

Sandwiches include a meatball sub with marinara, provolone and basil and a chicken, bacon, avocado grinder made with roasted chicken, bacon, provolone, lettuce, tomato, avocado, jalapeno and aioli. —The Arizona Republic, 4 Apr. 2024

Pimiento Peppers: bacon wrapped, jalapenos filled with pimento cheese. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2024

This kind of impulse control is rare, both among bartenders and in relationship to bacon generally, and the bacon-drinking world is better for it. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 30 Mar. 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