VocabDictionary

cafeteria

/ˌkæf.əˈtɪə.ri.ə/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A restaurant where customers serve themselves from a counter of prepared food, carrying it on a tray to a table.

Example Sentences:
  • Students gathered in the school cafeteria to eat lunch and chat.
  • The office building features a modern cafeteria offering a variety of hot meals and salads.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “cafeteria”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from American Spanish 'cafetería' (coffee store), formed from 'café' (coffee) plus the suffix '-ería' (place of business), ultimately tracing its roots back to the Turkish 'kahve' and Arabic 'qahwah'. The term entered English in the late 19th century as self-service restaurants gained popularity.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Picture yourself grabbing a **CAFE** (coffee and food) in an **AREA** where you serve yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions About “cafeteria

1. What is the meaning of “cafeteria” in English?

In English, cafeteria (noun) is defined as: “A restaurant where customers serve themselves from a counter of prepared food, carrying it on a tray to a table.”.

2. How do you use “cafeteria” in a sentence?

Students gathered in the school cafeteria to eat lunch and chat.

3. What are English synonyms of “cafeteria”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “cafeteria”?

Derived from American Spanish 'cafetería' (coffee store), formed from 'café' (coffee) plus the suffix '-ería' (place of business), ultimately tracing its roots back to the Turkish 'kahve' and Arabic 'qahwah'. The term entered English in the late 19th century as self-service restaurants gained popularity.