Cafeteria: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in American English, particularly in schools, hospitals, and office buildings to denote a place where people can self-serve food and drinks.

• The students gathered in the cafeteria for lunch.
• The hospital has a cafeteria that serves meals to patients and visitors.

Typically used to describe a large room for eating, especially in educational institutions like universities and boarding schools. It often implies a more formal setting compared to a cafeteria.

• The university dining hall offers a variety of meal options.
• They met at the dining hall for breakfast every morning.

More frequently used in British English, often referring to cafeteria-like areas in schools, factories, and military bases.

• She went to the canteen for a quick snack during her break.
• The soldiers had their meals in the canteen.

Refers to a collection of different food outlets in a shared space, often found in shopping malls, airports, and large public venues. It suggests variety and multiple choices.

• We decided to grab some food at the mall's food court.
• The airport's food court was bustling with travelers.