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Diner Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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diner

[ˈdaɪnər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

restaurant

A diner is a small, informal and typically inexpensive restaurant that is known for serving classic American comfort food.

Synonyms

cafe, eatery, restaurant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
diner

Repeats the same context as above for 'diner'.

  • He loves the burgers from the local diner
restaurant

A place where meals are prepared and served to customers. Can be casual or upscale, typically involves sit-down service.

  • They celebrated their anniversary at an Italian restaurant downtown
cafe

A small, usually informal place serving coffee, snacks, and light meals. Often has a relaxed atmosphere suitable for hanging out or working on a laptop.

  • She spends her afternoons working at a cozy cafe in the city center
eatery

A general term for any place where food is served. Can range from very casual to more upscale.

  • There are many eateries near the campus that offer student discounts

Examples of usage

  • Let's grab some burgers at the diner down the street.
  • The diner is a popular spot for breakfast enthusiasts.
Context #2 | Noun

person

A diner is a person who is eating a meal, especially in a restaurant or cafe.

Synonyms

customer, guest, patron.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
diner

Used to describe a person who is eating or has the intention to eat, especially in a restaurant or café.

  • The diner looked at the menu for several minutes before ordering
  • The restaurant was full of happy diners enjoying their meals
customer

Refers to someone who buys goods or services from a shop or business. It can be used for various types of businesses, not just restaurants.

  • The customer always checks the quality of the fabric before making a purchase
  • A satisfied customer came back to the store to give a positive review
patron

Often used to describe a regular customer of a business or someone who supports the establishment, sometimes with a sense of loyalty. Could have a slightly formal tone.

  • As a longtime patron of the café, she knew all the staff by name
  • The library offered special benefits for its patrons
guest

Refers to someone invited to a place as either a visitor or attendee. Commonly used in hospitality settings like hotels, private events, or someone's home.

  • Our guest will be staying in the spare bedroom
  • The wedding was attended by over 200 guests

Examples of usage

  • The diners at the table were enjoying their conversation.
  • He was a regular diner at the local bistro.

Translations

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

Origin of 'diner'

The word 'diner' originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It was originally used to describe a dining car on a train, but later evolved to refer to small, informal restaurants. Diners became popular in the 1920s and 1930s, offering a wide range of comfort food at affordable prices. Today, diners are a staple of American dining culture, known for their casual atmosphere and classic menu items.

See also: dine, dinner.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,028, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.