charcoal

1 of 2

noun

char·​coal ˈchär-ˌkōl How to pronounce charcoal (audio)
1
: a dark or black porous carbon prepared from vegetable or animal substances (as from wood by charring in a kiln from which air is excluded)
2
a
: a piece or pencil of fine charcoal used in drawing
b
: a charcoal drawing
3
: a dark gray

charcoal

2 of 2

verb

charcoaled; charcoaling; charcoals

Examples of charcoal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
And while grill makers offer plenty of accessories to boost revenues between big purchases, from pizza stones to specialty pellets or charcoal, the manufacturer’s dream is to expand the audience without alienating the existing customer base. Chris Morris, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2024 During the Meiji period of 1868 to 1912, charcoal was carried down the mountains using horse and sled to be burned in the city, creating half-pipe-like formations in the earth that are perfect for mountain biking. Jonny Bierman, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2024 Complex aromas that include vanilla, tobacco, charcoal and treacle in this Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 Sushi and sashimi are the house specialities, although the traditional Japanese charcoal grill (robata) is also something special. Michele Robson, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Chopped buttered lobster, charcoal fennel and cabbage slaw, coriander crema and chile arbol macha crowned a delicate tostada, which magically remained crispy to the end. The Arizona Republic, 26 Feb. 2024 His artwork, from charcoal sketches to oil paintings, were included in his books and exhibited in museums in Arizona, New Mexico and North Dakota. Hillel Italie, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 The formula’s inclusion of charcoal, AHAs and BHAs were additional skincare benefits. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024 In a June 2023 press release, Zillow reported that moodier colors—charcoal gray, in particular—was linked to higher home sale prices. Blake Bakkila, Sunset Magazine, 15 Feb. 2024
Verb
It can be prepared a number of ways — baked, charcoaled or planked — but shad roe, which is probably the most desirable way to dine on the fish, is poached or broiled — or there’s the novel way Jeff and Janet Ayres make it. Frederick N. Rasmussen, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2023 This all adds up to a winning formula and the food certainly doesn’t disappoint, with innovative dishes such as the cherry kebab made from spiced kebab skewers, perfectly charcoaled and then covered with sauce made from sour cherries sourced from Armenia. Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2023 The floral comforter set is available in three different colorways: taupe, green multi, and charcoal. Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2023 The brand is most famous for their scrubs, which range from apricots to charcoal to bamboo. Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022 My attempt to get the fire going with newspaper, wood, and charcoal ends in a pitiful plume of smoke. Noo Saro-Wiwa, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2022 While parts of the building were severely damaged from the flames - including sections of the walls and floorboards that were reduced to charcoal and ash - the metal staircase remained intact. CBS News, 7 Dec. 2022 Fresh snow reflects back 80% of the light that falls on it, green grass about 25% and charcoal a mere 4%. Helen Czerski, WSJ, 1 Dec. 2022 Year-round outdoor entertaining is simple with the BioLite FirePit+, which converts from wood to charcoal and from fire pit to BBQ grill in a flash. Tiffany Hopkins, Bon Appétit, 14 Nov. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'charcoal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English charcole

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of charcoal was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near charcoal

Cite this Entry

“Charcoal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charcoal. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

charcoal

noun
char·​coal
ˈchär-ˌkōl
1
: a dark or black absorbent carbon made by heating animal or vegetable material in the absence of air
2
a
: a piece or pencil of charcoal used in drawing
b
: a charcoal drawing

Medical Definition

charcoal

noun
char·​coal ˈchär-ˌkōl How to pronounce charcoal (audio)
: a dark or black porous carbon prepared from vegetable or animal substances (as from wood by charring in a kiln from which air is excluded) see activated charcoal
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!