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Buffet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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buffet

[bสŠหˆfeษช ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food service

A buffet is a system of serving meals in which food is placed in a public area where the diners generally serve themselves. Buffets are offered at various places including hotels, restaurants, and events, where customers can choose from a variety of dishes laid out on a table or sideboard.

Synonyms

all-you-can-eat, self-serve meal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
buffet

Used to refer to a meal where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes laid out on a table or serving area. Commonly found in hotels, parties, conferences, and weddings.

  • The hotel offers a buffet breakfast every morning.
  • We attended a wedding with a lavish buffet.
self-serve meal

Describes a meal setup where individuals serve themselves. This term is broader and can apply to any meal where guests or diners take their own food, often used in more casual or institutional settings like cafeterias, community events, or family-style gatherings.

  • The community center hosted a self-serve meal for the volunteers.
  • At the office party, there was a self-serve meal with a variety of dishes.
all-you-can-eat

Refers to a meal or restaurant policy where diners can consume as much food as they like for a fixed price. Often used for promoting casual dining experiences, especially in restaurants specializing in specific cuisines like sushi, pizza, or barbecue.

  • We went to an all-you-can-eat sushi place for dinner.
  • The new pizza place in town has an all-you-can-eat lunch special.

Examples of usage

  • I love going to buffets because I can try a little bit of everything.
  • The hotel offers a breakfast buffet with both hot and cold options.
Context #2 | Noun

furniture

A buffet is a piece of furniture typically used in dining rooms for storage and as a serving surface. It usually consists of a set of cabinets or drawers and a flat top surface for placing dishes or decorations.

Synonyms

credenza, sideboard.

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Word Description / Examples
buffet

Buffet can also mean to strike repeatedly with considerable force. This use is more negative and is often used to describe the impact of natural forces like wind or waves.

  • The boat was buffeted by the strong waves
  • During the storm, the wind buffeted the windows continuously
sideboard

A sideboard is a piece of furniture traditionally placed in a dining room for serving food and storing dishes, cutlery, and other dining essentials. It often has a surface to display items or place serving dishes during meals.

  • The sideboard in the dining room has an antique look and is filled with fine china
  • During the Thanksgiving dinner, the sideboard was lined with various sides and desserts
credenza

Credenza is used to describe a type of furniture often found in dining rooms or offices. It is typically used for storing dishes, serving dishes, or office supplies, and might have a flat top for additional workspace or display.

  • She placed the family china in the credenza
  • The office credenza was filled with important documents and supplies

Examples of usage

  • The antique buffet in the dining room belonged to my grandmother.
  • I store my fine china in the buffet in the dining room.
Context #3 | Verb

hit with force

To buffet means to strike or hit repeatedly with force. It can also refer to being tossed about by wind or waves.

Synonyms

pound, strike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
buffet

In another context, 'buffet' refers to a self-service meal where people serve themselves from a variety of dishes. This usage is common in casual dining or event settings.

  • We decided to have dinner at the all-you-can-eat buffet.
  • The hotel provided a breakfast buffet for its guests.
strike

Use 'strike' when talking about hitting something sharply and with intention. Itโ€™s versatile and can describe physical hits, impacts, or even metaphorical uses like ideas or emotions.

  • The boxer struck his opponent with a quick jab.
  • A brilliant idea struck her during the meeting.
  • Lightning struck the old oak tree during the storm.
pound

This word is appropriate when you are referring to hitting something strongly and repeatedly, often to break it or make a loud noise. It's commonly used in everyday language.

  • He pounded the door with his fists, demanding to be let in.
  • The construction workers were pounding metal beams into place all day.

Examples of usage

  • The strong winds buffeted the house, causing damage to the roof.
  • The ship was buffeted by the stormy seas, making it difficult to navigate.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Traditions

  • Buffets gained popularity in the United States in the 1950s, paralleling the rise of casual dining.
  • In some cultures, it's common for buffets to offer a specific theme, like seafood, breakfast, or dessert buffets, catering to different tastes.
  • The concept has evolved globally, with many countries having their version, such as the 'smorgasbord' in Sweden.

Health and Nutrition

  • Buffets can promote overeating because they present a wide array of tempting options, making it easy to indulge beyond oneโ€™s appetite.
  • Some studies suggest that a well-structured buffet can aid in portion control if smaller servings are offered for a variety of options.
  • Mindful eating practices are essential in a buffet setting to help individuals enjoy food without consuming too much.

Pop Culture

  • Buffets are often featured in movies and television shows as settings for celebrations, gatherings, and comedic scenarios.
  • The concept of all-you-can-eat buffets has spawned various game shows and food challenges that focus on eating large quantities in a limited time.
  • Many famous expanding chains, like Golden Corral and Hometown Buffet, became cultural icons, representing affordability and variety in dining.

Origin of 'buffet'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'buffet' comes from the French word 'bufet,' which means 'sideboard' or 'shelf' where food is placed.
  • Historically, 'buffet' was used in English to describe a meal where food was laid out for guests to serve themselves.
  • It was first recorded in English during the mid-18th century, reflecting social dining trends of the time.

The word 'buffet' originated from the French word 'bufet', which meant a bench or stool. It later evolved to refer to a sideboard or serving table. The use of 'buffet' to describe a self-service meal system became popular in the 19th century. The verb form of 'buffet' has roots in Old French and Latin, where it meant to strike or beat. Over time, the word has taken on various meanings related to hitting with force or being struck by external elements like wind or waves.

See also: buff, buffalo, buffing, rebuff.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,122, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.