English Explanatory Dictionary

cafeteria

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A restaurant in which customers select their food at a counter then carry it on a tray to a table to eat.
  2. A dining area in an institution where meals may be purchased (as above), provided, or brought in from elsewhere.

Pronunciation

/ˌkafəˈtɪə̯.ɹi.ə/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-cafeteria.wav /ˌkæfəˈtɪ(ə)ɹi.ə/

Word forms

cafeteria cafeterias caféteria cafétéria cafeterie

Etymology

Borrowed from Mexican Spanish cafetería (“coffeehouse”), from cafetera (“coffee maker”), from French cafetière, from café, from Ottoman Turkish قهوه (kahve) (Turkish kahve), from Arabic قَهْوَة (qahwa, “coffee”). Doublet of cafetière.

Synonyms

lunchroom canteen

Related words

caf caff café cafe cafetorium drugeteria washeteria

Derived words

booketeria buffeteria cafeteria bowling cafeteria Catholic cafeteria Catholicism cafeteria Christian cafeteria Christianity cafeterial cafeteria plan cafeteria-style groceteria luncheteria
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