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

This version loaded with smoky bacon is a far cry from the boxed stuff. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2025

Applebee’s version also includes either a fried chicken sandwich or bacon cheeseburger, endless fries and a soda. —Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 30 Jan. 2025

This equates to around one hot dog, two slices of bacon, or one and a half slices of bologna. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2025

Add remaining vegetable oil to the skillet that still has the bacon renderings. —Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 27 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