beef

Definition

Beef is meat that comes from a cow or similar cattle animal. It is commonly eaten in foods like steaks, burgers, and stews.

Usage & Nuances

Usually uncountable when talking about the food in general: 'some beef', not 'a beef'. In restaurants and recipes, common collocations include 'ground beef', 'roast beef', and 'beef stew'. Informally, especially in American English, 'beef' can also mean a complaint or conflict, as in 'have a beef with someone'.

Example Sentences