beef

beef · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Meat from a cow, bull, or ox.

  2. 2.

    [informal]A complaint or grievance.

  3. 3.

    [informal]Muscular strength or size.

  4. 4.

    [informal]Complain.

  5. 5.

    [informal]Strengthen or increase.

Forms

plural: beefs

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    beef up — Strengthen; increase.
  • •
    where's the beef? — Questioning substance or content.
  • •
    have a beef with — Have a complaint against.
  • •
    beefy — Muscular; strong.

Related words

See also: cow, meat, steak
Synonyms: meat, steak

Etymology

From Old French boef (modern French boeuf), from Latin bōs ("ox, cow").