plural grills
1
a
: a metal frame that is used to cook food over hot coals or an open fire
She put the hamburgers on the grill.
b
: a cooking device with a grill
a portable gas grill
c
: an electric device in which food is cooked between two hot surfaces
2
: a restaurant that serves grilled or broiled foods
a Mexican grill
—often used in the names of restaurantsJackie's Bar and Grill
3
: a dish of grilled or broiled food
a seafood grill
a mixed grill [=a dish of various grilled meats]
4
British
: broiler sense 1
grills; grilled; grilling
1
chiefly US
a
: to cook (food) on a metal frame over fire
We're planning to grill some chicken and burgers at the cookout.
b
: to fry or toast (something, such as a sandwich) on a hot surface
a grilled cheese sandwich
2
British
: to cook (food) directly over or under high heat : broil
3
informal
: to ask (someone) a series of difficult and unpleasant questions : to question (someone) intensely
The police grilled [=interrogated] the suspect for hours.
Her parents grilled her when she came home late.
Cite this Entry
“Grill.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/grill. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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