noun
canteen
A place serving meals and refreshments in an institution or workplace.
Workers gather in the canteen for lunch during their break.
Etymology
Italian cantina named a cellar or storehouse. Through the storing and supplying of provisions, the word became associated with a place where food and refreshments are served.
More examples
- The hospital canteen serves hot meals until eight.
- We buy coffee and sandwiches at the camp canteen.
- Both factories have canteens for their employees.
Forms
canteen · canteens
Similar words
- cafeteria
- Usually emphasizes self-service, with customers carrying food on trays.
- dining hall
- Emphasizes a large room where groups eat meals together.