Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Cafeteria Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ
Add to dictionary

cafeteria

[หŒkรฆf.ษ™หˆtษชษ™.ri.ษ™ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

food service

A cafeteria is a dining area where customers serve themselves, usually choosing from a variety of food options arranged in a line or buffet style. It is commonly found in schools, workplaces, and large institutions.

Synonyms

canteen, dining hall, food court.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cafeteria

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.
dining hall

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.
canteen

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.
food court

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.

Examples of usage

  • The cafeteria at the office offers a daily selection of hot meals and sandwiches.
  • Students line up in the cafeteria during lunchtime to get their food.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Culture

  • Many cafeterias offer meals that are quick and easy to eat, reflecting the busy lifestyles of modern society.
  • They often serve a variety of dishes, accommodating different dietary needs and cultural preferences.

School Life

  • In schools, cafeterias are important social hubs where students gather during lunch to chat and relax.
  • Some educational institutions are focusing on healthier food options in cafeterias to promote better eating habits among students.

Architecture

  • Cafeterias are designed for efficiency, often featuring long serving lines and spacious seating areas for large numbers of people.
  • Some modern cafeterias have open layouts, allowing people to see food options and interact more easily.

Pop Culture

  • Cafeterias often appear in films and TV shows as places where characters meet, eat, and share important conversations.
  • Popular sitcoms use cafeteria settings to develop comedic and dramatic storylines involving friendship and conflict.

Origin of 'cafeteria'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'cafeteria' comes from the Spanish word 'cafeterรญa,' meaning a coffee shop or place to drink coffee.
  • It originated in the early 20th century in the United States, where it was popular for self-service dining.

The word 'cafeteria' originated from the Spanish word 'cafeterรญa', which means coffeehouse or cafรฉ. The concept of self-service cafeterias first appeared in the United States in the late 19th century. The idea was to provide customers with a more efficient and convenient way to access a variety of food options.

See also: cafe.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,336, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.