In most countries in the world, the most popular type of food people eat is the 'meat' from animals. The problem about remembering the English vocabulary for meat is not only that there are lots of different types, but sometimes the name of the meat is the same as the name of the animal, but other times, it is different.
This means that many people when they are in a restaurant or speaking to people about food, incorrectly say the name (e.g. 'I really like cow', 'I don't like pig' etc...).
Knowing (and more importantly remembering) the names of different types of meat will help you a lot when in a restaurant in a different country and when describing what food is to English-speaking friends or colleagues in your own country.
You probably already know some of the names of the different types of meat you'll see in this exercise, but there will be some that you won't. This exercise will help you to remember and use the types of meat you already know and teach you the names of some types of meat that you don't know in English.
Click here to see more of our free online exercises on food, drink and restaurant vocabulary
In the following conversation, Peter and his Spanish friend Juan are thinking about what food to order in a restaurant. Peter is explaining to Juan what the names of different types of meat are in English.
From the context, try to guess what type of meat the words in bold are. Then do the quiz at the end to check if you are right.
Peter:'So, have you decided what you want to order?'
Juan:'I'm not sure. I don't know what some of the dishes are on the menu.'
Peter:'Which ones?'
Juan:'The roast pork. What is that?'
Peter:'Pork is the name for the meat from pigs.'
Juan:'So, the name of the meat of an animal is different to the name of the animal? So, what is the name of the meat from chickens called then?'
Peter:'Sometimes in English the name for the meat of an animal is different to the name of the animal and sometimes it isn't. For example, the name for the meat from cows is normally called beef, but the meat from a chicken is still called chicken.'
Juan:'You have a stupid and confusing language, you know that.'
Peter:'Yes, I do. Do you know the names of other types of meat?'
Juan:'I think so. Is the meat from sheep called lamb?'
Peter:'Yes and no. The meat from baby or young sheep is called lamb, but the meat from sheep which are over a year-old is called mutton.'
Juan:'And what about the meat from baby cows? Is that still called beef?'
Peter:'No, the meat from baby or very young cows is called veal.'
Juan:'And the meat from baby pigs, does that have a different name than pork as well?'
Peter:'No, it's still called pork.'
Juan:'But I've heard the meat from pigs called another name than pork.'
Peter:'There's a type of pork which is salty (because they leave the meat in salt after they kill the pig) and often looks pink. In English, we call this type of pig meat ham.'
Juan:'Ham, that's what it's called. So, what's the name for the meat from that big bird. I can't remember the bird's name, but people traditionally eat it at Christmas.'
Peter:'Do you mean turkey?'
Juan:'That's the one.'
Peter:'The meat from a turkey is called turkey.'
Juan:'And the name of the meat of the bird that lives a lot on water, makes the sound 'quack, quack' and the Chinese eat a lot?'
Peter:'I think you are talking about a duck (like 'Donald Duck'). The name for its meat is the same, it is called duck.'
Juan:'Ok. And the name of the meat of rabbit (like 'Bugs Bunny'), is called rabbit I suppose?'
Peter:'Yes it is. And do you what the name of the meat of deer (like 'Bambi') is?'
Juan:'I suppose it's called deer?'
Peter:'No, it isn't. The meat of deer is called venison. And what is the name of the meat which comes from goats called?'
Juan:'Goats are the animals that have two horns on their heads and look a little evil?'
Peter:'Yes, those are the ones.'
Juan:'I have no idea.'
Peter:'The meat from goat, is called goat.'
Juan:'Thanks for explaining all of this.'
Below is a photo/picture of each of the types of meat in bold from the above text. Now choose the name of the meat from the question's selection box which you believe matches the photo of the animal. Only use one word once. Click on the "Check" button at the bottom of the quiz to check your answers.
When the answer is correct, two icons will appear next to the answer. The icon contains extra information on the word/phrase. In the
icon, you can listen to the pronunciation of the word/phrase.
Now that you understand the meaning of the words/phrases and when to use them, practise using them by creating your own sentences with them in English. Also click on the icon next to each correct answer and listen how each is pronounced correctly.
Follow us on