banquet

[ bang-kwit ]

noun

1. a lavish meal; feast.
2. a ceremonious public dinner, especially one honoring a person, benefiting a charity, etc.

verb (used with object)

, ban·quet·ed, ban·quet·ing.

1. to entertain or regale with a banquet:

   They banqueted the visiting prime minister in grand style.

verb (used without object)

, ban·quet·ed, ban·quet·ing.

1. to have or attend a banquet; feast:

   They banqueted on pheasant, wild boar, and three kinds of fish.

banquet

/ ˈbæŋkwɪt /

noun

1. a lavish and sumptuous meal; feast
2. a ceremonial meal for many people, often followed by speeches

verb

1. intr to hold or take part in a banquet
2. tr to entertain or honour (a person) with a banquet

Derived Forms

• ˈbanqueter, noun

Other Words From

• banquet·er ban·que·teer [bang-kwi-, teer], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of banquet¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; from Middle French, from Italian banchetto ( banc(o) “table” ( bank ² ) + -etto -et ); replacing late Middle English bankat, banket(te), from Middle French

Word History and Origins

Origin of banquet¹

C15: from Old French, from Italian banchetto , from banco a table, of Germanic origin; see bank ¹

Synonym Study

See feast.

Example Sentences

The state visit's exercise in soft power will see the visiting Qatari royals given a carriage procession along The Mall, a visit to the Houses of Parliament and a banquet at Buckingham Palace.

From BBC

The Queen will attend the state banquet on Tuesday but will take a short break beforehand while guests are met in a receiving line.

From BBC

Forty-five minutes later she texted with her husband from the banquet.

From Los Angeles Times

The artworks were found in a banqueting hall with dramatic black walls and a mosaic floor made of more than 1 million white tiles.

From BBC

It’s the week of distractions for players and coaches, with interviews, banquets, pep rallies and constant phone calls seeking tickets.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• feast
• festivity
• meal
• reception