bacon

noun

ba·​con ˈbā-kən 

 sometimes  -kᵊŋ

1

a

: a side of a pig cured and smoked

also : the thin strips cut from bacon

b

: thin strips of meat other than pork that is cured and smoked

turkey bacon

2

: money

specifically : money gained through employment or legislation

—usually used in the phrase bring home the bacon

Examples of bacon in a Sentence

We ate bacon and eggs for breakfast.

Recent Examples on the Web

Menu highlights include local scallops in a creamy moreish bacon sauce, tuna tartare, duck confit and rack of lamb. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Here’s a recipe for a savory bacon, egg and guacamole breakfast sandwich. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024

The sandwich features roasted mushrooms, cheese, a creamy garlic sauce, and (of course) bacon on top of a beef burger patty. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024

Mix-ins: Get creative with these mashed potatoes, adding roasted garlic, horseradish, caramelized onions, or crispy bacon for a flavorful twist. —Stacey Ballis, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German bahho side of bacon, bah back — more at back

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing bacon

• back bacon
• bring home the bacon
• Canadian bacon
• save someone's bacon/hide/neck/skin

Kids Definition

bacon

noun

ba·​con ˈbā-kən 

1

: salted and smoked meat from the sides and the back of a pig

2

: money gained through employment or legislation

bring home the bacon

Biographical Definition

Bacon 1 of 4

biographical name (1)

Ba·​con ˈbā-kən 

Francis 1561–1626 1st Baron Verulam ˈver-(y)ə-ləm  Viscount St. Albans sānt-ˈȯl-bənz 

sənt-

English philosopher

Bacon

2 of 4

biographical name (2)

Francis 1909–1992 British (Irish-born) painter

Bacon

3 of 4

biographical name (3)

Nathaniel 1647–1676 American colonial leader

Bacon

4 of 4

biographical name (4)

Roger circa 1220–1292 English philosopher and scientist