london broil: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-lowInformal/Culinary
Quick answer
What does “london broil” mean?
A method of preparing lean, tough cuts of beef (typically flank or top round steak) by marinating and broiling or grilling, and then slicing thinly against the grain.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A method of preparing lean, tough cuts of beef (typically flank or top round steak) by marinating and broiling or grilling, and then slicing thinly against the grain.
The name is also used to refer to the specific cut of beef prepared this way, particularly in North American supermarkets, where it is often pre-packaged and labeled as such.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is virtually unknown in UK culinary practice and shops. The cut of meat and cooking method exist but are not labelled or referred to as 'London broil'.
Connotations
In the US/Canada, it connotes a practical, economical, and flavorful way to prepare a tougher cut. In the UK, the term might cause confusion, as it sounds like a dish from London.
Frequency
Common in American English, especially in supermarkets and home cooking contexts. Extremely rare to non-existent in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “london broil” in a Sentence
[Verb] + London broil (e.g., marinate the London broil)[Adjective] + London broil (e.g., a marinated London broil)[Prep Phrase] + London broil (e.g., a London broil with herbs)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “london broil” in a Sentence
adjective
American English
- We're having a London broil night.
- She prefers the London broil method for round steak.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the food retail and hospitality industries on menus and product labels.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical or cultural studies of food terminology.
Everyday
Used in home cooking conversations, recipes, and supermarket shopping.
Technical
Used in butchery and culinary arts to describe a specific preparation method and marketing label for certain cuts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “london broil”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “london broil”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “london broil”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will London broil the steak' - incorrect).
- Capitalizing 'broil' (it is typically 'London broil', not 'London Broil').
- Assuming it is a British dish or a specific cut available in the UK.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a North American culinary term. The name 'London' was likely chosen to sound sophisticated or traditional.
Traditionally, flank steak or top round steak are used, as they are lean, tough cuts that benefit greatly from marinating and thin slicing.
No, it is not standard usage. You 'make', 'cook', or 'prepare' a London broil. The term functions as a noun or a compound adjective (e.g., London broil recipe).
Common reasons include not marinating it long enough, overcooking it (it should be medium-rare), not letting it rest before slicing, or slicing it with the grain instead of against the grain.
A method of preparing lean, tough cuts of beef (typically flank or top round steak) by marinating and broiling or grilling, and then slicing thinly against the grain.
London broil is usually informal/culinary in register.
London broil: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlʌndən ˈbrɔɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlʌndən ˈbrɔɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a map of LONDON, but instead of the Tower, imagine a BROILER cooking a big, marinated steak. The name is a North American invention, so the 'London' part is just for flair.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRANSFORMATION (turning a tough, inexpensive cut into a tender, desirable meal through technique).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'London broil' primarily?