cookout

noun

cook·​out ˈku̇k-ˌau̇t 

: an outing at which a meal is cooked and served in the open

also : the meal cooked

Examples of cookout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This gorgeous, colorful salad is summer on a platter, sure to win the grand prize (if there was one) at every potluck and cookout. —Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 5 May 2026

Fire up the barbecue and turn up the heat on your cookout game with one of our best grilling recipes (all have been highly rated and expertly taste-tested). —Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 May 2026

Secure a repeat invitation by showing up to any potluck or cookout with this slow-cooker rendition of Buffalo Chicken Dip. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 May 2026

That’s why coleslaw is such a classic—loved and devoured at cookouts, potlucks, and every kind of outdoor meal. —Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cookout

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

cookout

noun

cook·​out ˈku̇k-ˌau̇t 

: an outing at which a meal is cooked and served outdoors