Synonyms

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

"Not once in the 11-hour journey did we have any official announcement... we just had a rumour mill from drivers to the buffet car."

From BBC • Jul. 7, 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

And when, finally, I arrived at the buffet car, I was greeted with a sigh and a how-dare-you raise of the eyebrows.

From The Guardian • Dec. 12, 2010

Joe arose, got a cup of coffee in the buffet car, and went on ahead to inquire about Helen and some of his friends in the other coach.

From Joe Strong on the Trapeze or The Daring Feats of a Young Circus Performer by Barnum, Vance

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