Both barbecue and barbeque refer to the same thing—a method of cooking food over heat and the meal or gathering centered around it. However, barbecue is the standard and preferred spelling in modern English. Barbeque is an accepted variant but is much less common and is often used in brand names, casual writing, or abbreviated as BBQ.
If you’re writing for school, work, or formal communication, barbecue is the better choice.
What Does “Barbecue” Mean?
Barbecue can be used as both a noun and a verb.
As a noun, it refers to:
- A style of cooking food over a grill or smoker
- The food itself
- A social event where grilled food is served
As a verb, it means:
- To cook food over a barbecue grill or smoker
Examples
- We had a barbecue in the backyard last weekend.
- My uncle loves to barbecue ribs during the summer.
- The neighborhood is planning a barbecue this Saturday.
What Does “Barbeque” Mean?
Barbeque has the same meaning as barbecue. The difference is only in spelling.
Although dictionaries recognize it as a variant, it appears far less often in books, newspapers, and professional writing.
Examples
- We bought barbeque sauce. ✔️
- The restaurant serves Texas-style barbeque. ✔️
These examples are understandable, but many editors would still prefer barbecue.
Barbecue vs. Barbeque
| Feature | Barbecue | Barbeque |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Cooking method, food, or event | Same meaning |
| Standard spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Formal writing | ✅ Recommended | Rarely recommended |
| Everyday use | Very common | Less common |
| Dictionary acceptance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Variant spelling |
Winner: Barbecue is the preferred spelling in almost every situation.
Why Is “Barbecue” Preferred?
Most major English dictionaries list barbecue as the primary spelling.
It is the version you’ll usually see in:
- Books
- Newspapers
- School writing
- Business documents
- Restaurant menus
- Recipes
- Professional websites
Using the standard spelling makes your writing look more polished and consistent.
When Should You Use “Barbecue”?
Choose barbecue when writing:
- School assignments
- Office emails
- Blog posts
- Recipes
- News articles
- Formal invitations
- Business documents
Examples
- Our company barbecue is next Friday.
- She prepared homemade barbecue sauce.
- We barbecue vegetables every weekend.
When Is “Barbeque” Acceptable?
You may see barbeque in:
- Restaurant names
- Product branding
- Casual social media posts
- Personal messages
Examples
- Joe’s Barbeque House
- Sweet Barbeque Sauce
If a business officially uses barbeque in its name, keep that spelling.
What About “BBQ”?
BBQ is a common abbreviation for barbecue.
It is widely accepted in informal writing and marketing.
Examples
- BBQ chicken
- BBQ party
- BBQ sauce
- BBQ ribs
In formal writing, spell out barbecue unless space is limited.
British English vs. American English
Both American and British English generally prefer barbecue.
The spelling barbeque is uncommon in both varieties.
Common Grammar Mistakes
Mistake 1
❌ We are having a barbeque at the office tomorrow.
✅ We are having a barbecue at the office tomorrow.
Why?
Barbecue is the standard spelling for formal writing.
Mistake 2
❌ She likes to barbeque chicken every Sunday.
✅ She likes to barbecue chicken every Sunday.
Why?
The standard verb form is barbecue.
Mistake 3
❌ This cookbook teaches traditional barbeque recipes.
✅ This cookbook teaches traditional barbecue recipes.
Why?
Most publishers use barbecue because it is the preferred spelling.
Real-Life Examples
Daily Conversation
- Let’s have a barbecue this weekend.
School
- My essay describes the history of barbecue cooking.
Office
- The annual company barbecue is in July.
- You’re invited to our family barbecue this Saturday.
Social Media
- Best barbecue I’ve had all year!
Restaurant Review
- The barbecue ribs were tender and full of flavor.
Quick Tips to Remember
- Barbecue is the standard spelling.
- Barbeque is a less common variant.
- BBQ is fine for informal writing.
- Use barbecue in school, work, and professional documents.
- Keep barbeque only if it’s part of an official business or product name.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the Blanks
Choose barbecue or barbeque.
- We enjoyed a family ________ on Sunday.
- My dad loves to ________ steaks.
- The restaurant’s official name is Texas ________ Grill.
- She bought ________ sauce for dinner.
Answers
- barbecue
- barbecue
- Barbeque (if that is the restaurant’s official name)
- barbecue
Multiple Choice
1. Which spelling is preferred in formal English?
A. Barbeque
B. Barbecue
C. BBQ
Answer: B. Barbecue
2. What does BBQ stand for?
A. Big Bar Quality
B. Barbecue
C. Backyard Barbecue Queue
Answer: B. Barbecue
Correct the Mistake
- We had a barbeque at work yesterday.
Correct: We had a barbecue at work yesterday.
- She barbeques chicken every Friday.
Correct: She barbecues chicken every Friday.
Rewrite the Sentence
Rewrite using the preferred spelling.
Original:
We enjoyed a barbeque with our neighbors.
Answer:
We enjoyed a barbecue with our neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is barbecue or barbeque correct?
Both are correct, but barbecue is the preferred spelling in modern English.
Which spelling do dictionaries recommend?
Most dictionaries list barbecue as the primary spelling and barbeque as a variant.
Is BBQ a real word?
BBQ is a common abbreviation for barbecue and is widely accepted in informal writing.
Is barbeque wrong?
No. It is an accepted alternative spelling but is much less common.
Should I use barbecue in formal writing?
Yes. It is the standard spelling for academic, business, and professional writing.
Why do some restaurants use barbeque?
Many businesses choose barbeque as part of their branding or trademark, even though barbecue is the standard spelling.
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Conclusion
When deciding between barbecue and barbeque, the safest and most widely accepted choice is barbecue. It is the standard spelling used in dictionaries, schools, businesses, and professional writing. While barbeque is still recognized as a variant, it is much less common and usually appears in brand names or informal contexts. If you want clear, polished English, use barbecue in almost every situation.
