Canteen: meaning, definitions and examples

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canteen

[kænˈtiːn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

food service

A canteen is a place in a factory, office, or school where food and meals are provided.

Synonyms

cafeteria, dining hall.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
canteen	Often used to refer to a place within a school, factory, or office building where meals are provided at a lower cost. I bought my lunch from the canteen today. The factory workers usually eat in the canteen.
cafeteria	Commonly used in the United States, particularly in schools, hospitals, or businesses, to refer to a place where people can pick up food on a tray and pay for it at the end of the line. Let's meet in the cafeteria for lunch. The hospital has a cafeteria that serves healthy meals.
dining hall	Typically refers to a large room where meals are served, often found in institutions like colleges, universities, or boarding schools. The students gathered in the dining hall for breakfast. The dining hall is open from 7 AM to 9 PM.

Word

Description / Examples

canteen

Often used to refer to a place within a school, factory, or office building where meals are provided at a lower cost.

I bought my lunch from the canteen today.
The factory workers usually eat in the canteen.

cafeteria

Commonly used in the United States, particularly in schools, hospitals, or businesses, to refer to a place where people can pick up food on a tray and pay for it at the end of the line.

Let's meet in the cafeteria for lunch.
The hospital has a cafeteria that serves healthy meals.

dining hall

Typically refers to a large room where meals are served, often found in institutions like colleges, universities, or boarding schools.

The students gathered in the dining hall for breakfast.
The dining hall is open from 7 AM to 9 PM.

Examples of usage

Let's have lunch at the canteen today.
The canteen offers a variety of dishes for breakfast.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

container

A canteen is a small water bottle, especially one used by soldiers or campers.

Synonyms

flask, water bottle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
canteen	While it's the same word as the aforementioned one, it can also refer specifically to the portable container in a military context. Generally, it’s used to carry water. The soldier took a sip from his canteen during a break. Make sure your canteen is full before we start the march.
water bottle	A water bottle is a general term for any portable container designed specifically for holding drinking water. It is commonly used in everyday situations and can be made of plastic, metal, or glass. Don't forget to bring your water bottle to the gym. She always keeps a water bottle on her desk.
flask	A flask is often used to describe a small container for liquids and is usually associated with carrying alcoholic beverages or hot drinks. It can have a connotation of discreetness, especially with alcohol. He took a swig from his whiskey flask. She always carries a flask of coffee with her.

Word

Description / Examples

canteen

While it's the same word as the aforementioned one, it can also refer specifically to the portable container in a military context. Generally, it’s used to carry water.

The soldier took a sip from his canteen during a break.
Make sure your canteen is full before we start the march.

water bottle

A water bottle is a general term for any portable container designed specifically for holding drinking water. It is commonly used in everyday situations and can be made of plastic, metal, or glass.

Don't forget to bring your water bottle to the gym.
She always keeps a water bottle on her desk.

flask

A flask is often used to describe a small container for liquids and is usually associated with carrying alcoholic beverages or hot drinks. It can have a connotation of discreetness, especially with alcohol.

He took a swig from his whiskey flask.
She always carries a flask of coffee with her.

Examples of usage

He filled up his canteen before starting the hike.
Make sure to bring a canteen with you on the camping trip.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the French word 'cantine,' which means a small room or shelter, often for storing food.
In the 19th century, the word evolved in English to refer to a place where meals are served.
Originally, it was also used in military contexts to describe dining facilities for soldiers.

Cultural Significance

In many countries, canteens serve as central social hubs for students to connect during breaks.
Workplace canteens can enhance employee morale by providing convenient meals and a space to relax.
Canteens at summer camps foster communal experiences and teamwork among campers.

Modern Usage

With the rise of food technology, many canteens now offer a variety of dietary options, including vegetarian and gluten-free.
Many schools have implemented canteen services that promote healthy eating habits among children.
The digital age has also influenced canteen services, with online ordering and cashless payment options becoming common.

Psychology

Dining in groups, like at a canteen, can enhance feelings of belongingness and community among individuals.
The atmosphere of a canteen can influence eating behaviors and social interactions, often leading to healthier choices through peer influence.
Research suggests that a well-organized dining experience can positively affect student performance and well-being.

Literature

Canteens often appear in books set in schools or camps, symbolizing friendship and shared experiences.
Many narratives feature the canteen as a backdrop for important social interactions and character development.
In war literature, military canteens symbolize camaraderie and the harsh realities faced by soldiers in combat zones.

Translations

Translations of the word "canteen" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cantina

🇮🇳 कैंटीन

🇩🇪 Kantine

🇮🇩 kantin

🇺🇦 їдальня

🇵🇱 stołówka

🇯🇵 食堂 (しょくどう)

🇫🇷 cantine

🇪🇸 cantina

🇹🇷 kantin

🇰🇷 구내식당 (구내 식당)

🇸🇦 كافتيريا

🇨🇿 jídelna

🇸🇰 jedáleň

🇨🇳 食堂 (shítáng)

🇸🇮 kantina

🇮🇸 mötuneyti

🇰🇿 асхана

🇬🇪 სასადილო

🇦🇿 yeməkxana

🇲🇽 cafetería

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,748, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17745 glycerine
17746 boisterous
17747 emigrate
17748 canteen
17749 famously
17750 gated
17751 urbanized
...