Correct spelling, explanation: the word barbecue is commonly used in English and is the more widely recognized and accepted spelling of the term. It’s the preferred spelling in most English language styles and dictionaries. The difference between barbecue and barbeque lies primarily in their spelling and usage. Both barbecue and barbeque refer to the same concept of outdoor cooking, but barbecue is the more prevalent and standard spelling in English. Barbeque is a valid alternative but is less commonly used and might be seen as informal or regional in certain contexts.

Definition of barbecue:
1. verb, to cook food, especially meat, over an open flame or on a grill
We’re planning to barbecue some steaks and vegetables for dinner.
He spent the afternoon barbecuing chicken on the grill for the family gathering.
2. noun, a method of cooking food, especially meat, over an open flame or on a grill, often with the use of marinades, rubs, or sauces for flavoring
We’re having a barbecue this weekend, so make sure to bring your appetite!
The smell of sizzling barbecued ribs wafted through the air at the picnic.

Collocations with barbecue:
Some most commonly used collocations include:
1. Barbecue chicken: chicken that has been marinated and cooked on a grill or in a smoker.
He marinated the barbecue chicken overnight in a mix of spices and herbs before grilling it to perfection.
2. Barbecue ribs: ribs that are seasoned and slow-cooked, usually on a grill or smoker.
The secret to tender barbecue ribs is a slow and low cooking process on the smoker.
3. Barbecue pit: a designated area or structure for grilling or smoking food.
Friends gathered around the barbecue pit, sharing stories while the meats sizzled over the open flames.
4. Barbecue season: the time of year when outdoor grilling and cooking are most common.
As soon as the weather gets warm, it’s officially barbecue season, and we fire up the grill regularly.

Correct spelling, explanation: the word barbeque is correct. Its etymology is closely related to that of barbecue. Barbeque is a variant spelling that has emerged over time, likely influenced by phonetic pronunciation and regional dialects. The root of both barbecue and barbeque can be traced back to the Spanish word barbacoa. So, while barbecue is the more prevalent and standard spelling, barbeque is an acceptable alternative that has also found its way into usage, especially in informal contexts or specific regions.