buffet car

American

noun

Railroads.

a car having facilities for preparing and serving light meals.

buffet car British

/ ˈbʊfeɪ /

noun

a railway coach where light refreshments are served

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of buffet car

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Everyone in the buffet car was in "a state of shock", she said as she praised Mr Crean's calm in the moment.

From BBC • Nov. 6, 2025

He said he was determined to confront the attacker to give another passenger time to close the door of the buffet car, where other passengers had gathered.

From BBC • Nov. 3, 2025

Passengers will benefit from "best experience in the market" with bigger seats, more legroom, increased luggage space and a buffet car on every service, according to Grand Union Trains.

From BBC • Dec. 1, 2022

An unexpected boon: like the buffet car having any sandwiches left.

From The Guardian • Jun. 1, 2013

We may be here for an hour," I said, "and there is no buffet car on.

From The Man in Lower Ten by Rinehart, Mary Roberts

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023