Definition

To cook food partially or completely before it is needed for a meal.

Example

I like to precook the chicken so it’s ready for the stir-fry later.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Are you going to precook the chicken for the barbecue?

Yeah, I think it's a good idea to save some time.

Right! It makes everything easier when we have guests over.

Exactly, plus it makes sure the chicken is nice and juicy.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Precook → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "cook" (from Old English "coc", meaning to prepare food by heating). The word "precook" means to cook food before it is served or eaten.

Memory Tip

Think of cooking something 'before' ('pre-') it is served — that's what precook means.

Visually Confused Words