cater

American  

[key-ter] / ˈkeɪ tər /

verb (used without object)

1. to provide food, service, etc., as for a party or wedding.

   to cater for a banquet.

2. to provide or supply what amuses, is desired, or gives pleasure, comfort, etc. (usually followed by to orfor ).

   to cater to popular demand; to cater to an invalid.

   Synonyms:

   please, indulge, humor

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verb (used with object)

1. to provide food and service for.

   to cater a party.

cater British  

/ ˈkeɪtə /

verb

1. (intr; foll by for or to) to provide what is required or desired (for)

   to cater for a need

   cater to your tastes

2. to provide food, services, etc (for)

   we cater for parties

   to cater a banquet

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Other Word Forms

• cateringly adverb
• uncatered adjective
• uncatering adjective

Etymology

Origin of cater

First recorded in 1350–1400; verb use of obsolete cater, Middle English catour, variant of acatour “buyer,” from Anglo-French, from acat(er) “to buy” ( cate ) + -our -or ²

Example Sentences

Economic Daily said there had been a “severe shock to the pricing system of the catering industry,” adding that this had resulted in lower quality and weaker profits.

From Barron's

Because there are so many more multimillionaires, products and services that cater to this group are also booming.

From The Wall Street Journal

Although he catered to rich people and hung out in posh nightclubs on the Westside, Louis said he made only about $50,000 a year and lived in an apartment in Burbank.

From Los Angeles Times

Their goal is to squeeze more revenue out of each seat flown, catering to travelers willing to pay up for lie-flat and extra legroom seats.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her posts alternate between lifestyle content and her football, catering for a broad and diverse following, but make her a target for those who seek to criticise.

From BBC