'barbecue' originates from Spanish, specifically the word 'barbacoa', ultimately from the Taíno (Arawakan) word often cited as 'barabicu' or similar, where the root referred to a framework or wooden structure for cooking.

'barbecue' entered English from Spanish 'barbacoa' (used in the Caribbean) in the 17th century; the Spanish term itself comes from Taíno/Arawakan 'barabicu' (a raised framework). Over time the form changed into English 'barbecue'.

Initially, it meant 'a framework of sticks or a raised cooking framework'; over time it broadened to mean the cooking method, the device (grill), and the social event now called a 'barbecue'.