A1verb1K

Cook

UK /["/kʊk/","/kʊks/","/kʊkt/","/ˈkʊkɪŋ/"]/US /["/kʊk/","/kʊks/","/kʊkt/","/ˈkʊkɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to prepare food by heating it, for example by boiling, baking or frying it

In simple words: To prepare food by heating it.

Examples

  • I love to cook Italian food on the weekends.
  • He can cook a delicious meal for the entire family.
  • It's important to cook your vegetables to keep them healthy.
  • She decided to cook dinner for her friends tonight.
  • My grandmother taught me how to cook when I was a child.
  • After school, I often help my mom cook for the family.
  • The recipe states to cook for at least 30 minutes.
  • He had to cook under pressure during the competition.

Usage notes

Use 'cook' when talking about making meals. It's common in everyday conversation. Avoid using it in very formal writing unless discussing culinary skills.

Grammar pattern

cook + object

Memory hint

Think of 'cook' like a 'cooking clock' — preparing meals takes time.

Collocations

  • fully
  • thoroughly
  • well
  • be cooked through
  • freshly cooked
  • fully
  • thoroughly
  • well
  • be cooked through
  • freshly cooked

Synonyms

  • prepare
  • make
  • chef
  • fry
  • sauté

Antonyms

  • burn
  • destroy

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'bake' — baking is a specific type of cooking.
  • Saying 'the cook' when meaning to refer to the food prepared — clarify to avoid misunderstanding.
  • Using 'cook' in passive forms inaccurately, such as 'the meal is cooked by' instead of 'the cook cooks the meal.'