Understanding the Distinct Uses of Grill and Grille in Everyday Language

Grill vs. Grille: What’s the Difference?

These two words, grill and grille, sound the same but have different meanings. Let’s learn about their history, how to use them, and a trick to remember the difference.

History of the Words

Grill comes from a French word meaning “to roast” or “to broil.” It has been used in English for a long time to talk about cooking.

Grille also comes from French, meaning “a gridiron” or “a grating.” This word is often linked to things with bars or openings, like the front of a car.

How to Use These Words

Grill

• Use grill when talking about cooking food over fire or heat.
• Can also mean to ask someone lots of questions.

Example Sentences for Grill

1. I like to grill burgers on the weekend.
2. We cooked the vegetables on the grill.
3. Dad grilled chicken for dinner.
4. The chef will grill the steak.
5. The teacher grilled the student with questions about the lesson.

Grille

• Use grille to talk about a protective cover with bars or grids.
• Often seen on cars, windows, or doors.

Example Sentences for Grille

1. The car has a shiny front grille.
2. He looked through the grille to see outside.
3. The window grille keeps the cats from escaping.
4. The grille on the door makes it strong.
5. We painted the metal grille black.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Grill has one “L” – think about one place to cook food, grill meat!
Grille has two “L”s – think about more bars or lines, like on a car grille.

Summary

Use grill for cooking or questioning. Use grille for a barrier made of bars. Knowing their uses helps you choose the right word!