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

With blue cheese, bacon, chives, and a topping of crispy onions, our latest version is perfect for tailgate snacking. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2025

Bits of bacon, mini hot-pockets, nutter butters and doritos. —Outside Online, 16 Jan. 2025

Shrimp Tagliatelle with Gulf shrimp, jowl bacon and local greens. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 15 Jan. 2025

Other staples also rose, with bacon up 2.3%; breakfast cereal, 0.8%; rice, 1.2%. —Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025

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