griller: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-LowInformal (for person/interrogator), Technical/Neutral (for appliance).
Quick answer
What does “griller” mean?
A device or person that cooks food by direct exposure to radiant heat, typically from below.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device or person that cooks food by direct exposure to radiant heat, typically from below.
1. A person who interrogates someone intensely or aggressively. 2. A cooking appliance, often a hinged metal rack, for grilling food. 3. A restaurant that specializes in grilled food.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In appliance context, UK 'grill' corresponds more closely to US 'broiler'; 'griller' (appliance) is used but less frequent than 'grill'. For a person, both varieties understand the metaphorical sense.
Connotations
In the UK, 'griller' might be understood more readily as the appliance part of an oven. In the US, it might be more associated with an outdoor BBQ appliance.
Frequency
The word is less common than the base noun 'grill' or verb 'to grill' in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “griller” in a Sentence
[Person] is a tough griller.We need a new [appliance] griller for the kitchen.The [restaurant] is a famous steak griller.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “griller” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to grill these sausages.
- The journalist will grill the minister.
American English
- We need to grill these hot dogs.
- The prosecutor will grill the witness.
adverb
British English
- The fish was cooked grillingly hot.
American English
- The chicken was grilled perfectly.
adjective
British English
- She bought a grilling pan.
American English
- He prefers a grilling rack.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In appliance retail.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical texts about cooking methods.
Everyday
Mostly used for kitchen appliances or outdoor cooking equipment.
Technical
In appliance manufacturing and culinary equipment specifications.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “griller”
- Using 'griller' as a direct synonym for 'grill' in all contexts (e.g., 'Let's fire up the griller' is less common than 'fire up the grill').
- Confusing the agent noun (person who grills) with the tool noun (thing that grills).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's less common than 'grill'. It's used specifically for types of appliances or metaphorically for a person.
Yes, that is a possible, though less frequent, meaning (e.g., 'He's a real griller at our summer parties').
A 'grill' is the general concept or a full-sized appliance. A 'griller' often refers to a specific, sometimes smaller or integrated, device designed for grilling (e.g., a sandwich press/griller).
No, it's informal and metaphorical, often used in journalism or political commentary.
A device or person that cooks food by direct exposure to radiant heat, typically from below.
Griller: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡrɪlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡrɪlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly for 'griller', but related:] under the grill (UK) / under the broiler (US)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Grill-Er' - it either 'grills' your food or 'grills' you with questions.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTENSITY IS HEAT (A tough interviewer 'grills' a subject).
Practice
Quiz
In a UK kitchen appliance manual, 'griller' most likely refers to: