Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Cater Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🍽️
Add to dictionary

cater

[ˈkeɪtər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

events planning

To provide food and drink for a social event or meeting.

Synonyms

provide, serve, supply.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cater

When addressing the specific needs of a particular group or type of person.

  • This app caters to young professionals.
  • We cater to a diverse customer base.
provide

When you discuss giving or making something available, especially essential or important items.

  • The school provides textbooks for all students.
  • They provided financial assistance to those in need.
supply

When referring to delivering or furnishing large quantities, often related to products or resources.

  • The factory supplies parts to the automotive industry.
  • We need to supply water to the drought-affected areas.
serve

When offering food and drinks directly to people, or helping others in formal or professional settings.

  • The restaurant serves Italian food.
  • They serve as a volunteer at the shelter.

Examples of usage

  • Can you cater for 100 people at the wedding?
  • They catered a delicious buffet for the conference attendees.
Context #2 | Noun

business

A person or company that provides food and drink for a social event or meeting.

Synonyms

caterer, event planner, food provider.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cater

Used when talking about providing food and drink at social events.

  • They hired a company to cater their wedding
  • The restaurant also caters for corporate events
caterer

Describes a person or company that specializes in providing food and drink for events.

  • The caterer prepared a delicious three-course meal for the banquet
  • We need to contact a caterer for the upcoming conference
food provider

General term for any individual or company that supplies food, often used in a broader sense than 'caterer'.

  • The food provider delivers meals to local schools
  • As a food provider, they ensure fresh produce is available at all times
event planner

Refers to a professional who organizes and coordinates all aspects of events, including catering, decorations, and schedules.

  • The event planner managed every detail of the anniversary party
  • Hiring an event planner took a lot of stress off the bride and groom

Examples of usage

  • The catering for the party was done by a local caterer.
  • She started her own catering business last year.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

  • The catering industry has grown significantly, especially after World War II when people started hosting more events.
  • Caterers often create special menus that fit the theme or style of the event, ensuring a tailored experience.
  • Many caterers offer a range of services from buffet setups to formal plated dinners, appealing to diverse occasions.

Event Planning

  • Successful caterers not only provide food but also manage service staff, making the event run smoothly.
  • Many events, like weddings and corporate parties, rely heavily on catering to enhance the guest experience.
  • Caterers often collaborate with other vendors, such as florists and entertainment, to create a cohesive event atmosphere.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, food plays a central role in celebrations, making skilled caterers essential to cultural events.
  • Festivals often employ caterers to serve local delicacies, making the event more authentic and appealing.
  • Catering practices vary widely around the world, reflecting local customs and traditional foods.

Popular Media

  • Catering shows and competitions have gained popularity on television, highlighting creativity and culinary skills.
  • Movies often portray caterers as key characters at lavish parties, showcasing the importance of food in social settings.
  • Some popular video games involve managing catering businesses, blending entertainment with culinary strategy.

Origin of 'cater'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cater' comes from the Old North French word 'acater,' meaning 'to buy or procure'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century and originally referred to someone who brought supplies.
  • The modern meaning evolved in the 19th century to focus on providing food and service for special events.

The word 'cater' originated from Middle English 'catour', meaning 'buyer of provisions'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'to provide food and drink'. The catering industry as we know it today began to take shape in the 19th century with the rise of social events and gatherings.

See also: cat, catamount, catapult, catlike, cattail, cattiness, catwalk.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,070, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.