fast food

¹ American  

noun

1. food, as hamburgers, pizza, or fried chicken, that is prepared in quantity by a standardized method and can be dispensed quickly at inexpensive restaurants for eating there or elsewhere.

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fast-food ² American  

[fast-food, fahst-] / ˈfæstˈfud, ˈfɑst- /

adjective

1. of or specializing in fast food.

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fast food British  

noun

1. food that requires little preparation before being served

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adjective

1. (of a restaurant, café, etc) serving such food

Usage

​What does fast food mean?​ Fast food is food quickly prepared and served, often at chain restaurants and typically associated with less expensive and less nutritious items like hamburgers, french fries, and soft drinks.

Etymology

Origin of fast food¹

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Origin of fast-food²

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Example Sentences

Burger chains still lead the U.S. fast food industry, generating twice as much in overall sales as second-ranked fried chicken chains, according to Technomic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Jordan is one of several stars, including Hilary Swank and Julia Roberts, to wrap-up Oscars night with a fast food burger over the years.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Previous work has shown that stressed parents are more likely to depend on fast food and less healthy eating habits.

From Science Daily • Mar. 8, 2026

On a visit to Texas on Friday, US President Donald Trump gave a raucous speech on the economy and then stopped off at a fast food joint.

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

That must be the life, being able to get fast food whenever you wanted, not just as a treat on your mom’s payday.

From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty