canteen

[kan-teen]

noun

1. a small container used especially by soldiers and hikers for carrying water or other liquids.

2. a general store and cafeteria at a military base.

3. a place where free entertainment is provided for military personnel.

4. a place, as in a factory, school, or summer camp, where refreshments and sometimes personal supplies are sold.

5. a recreation center or social club, especially for teenagers.

6. a place set up to dispense food during an emergency.

7. a snack bar.

8. British.,  a box or chest for cutlery and other table utensils.

canteen

/ kænˈtiːn /

noun

1. a restaurant attached to a factory, school, etc, providing meals for large numbers of people

2. 1. a small shop that provides a limited range of items, such as toilet requisites, to a military unit

   2. a recreation centre for military personnel

3. a soldier's eating and drinking utensils

4. a temporary or mobile stand at which food is provided

5. 1. a box in which a set of cutlery is laid out

   2. the cutlery itself

6. a flask or canister for carrying water or other liquids, as used by soldiers or travellers

Word History and Origins

Origin of canteen¹

1730–40; < French cantine < Italian cantina cellar, perhaps derivative of canto corner ( cant ² ) with -ina -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of canteen¹

C18: from French cantine, from Italian cantina wine cellar, from canto corner, from Latin canthus iron hoop encircling chariot wheel; see _cant ²

Example Sentences

This tight-knit group of players were watching on in the canteen as Union discovered their opponents in the Champions League draw last month.

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Terence Newman, prosecuting, said Sharwarq knocked a fellow migrant to the floor in a one-punch attack at the hotel's canteen, which left him bleeding.

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Year 11 students were initially told to use a hatch and eat outside, but following feedback, the school allowed Year 11s to use other year groups' canteens during a specified time period.

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It says the new centres would be "basic but not punitive", containing prefabricated two-person rooms, on-site medical facilities, and canteen catering.

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The words "better together" may have been signposted inside the canteen, but there was a notable absentee.

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Related Words

• flask 
• water bottle