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

Despite high unemployment, the border closure has raised fears of labour shortages in construction, catering and healthcare, where many Russians work.

From Barron's

“A lot of it was catered toward only grabbing the attention of the child with a lot of ice cream and candy and sweets and high energy,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

A university has opted to make plant-based menus the default option at its catering facilities, following a vote by students.

From BBC

During his first year with the team, instead of being himself, he catered to what he felt the fans deserved from the person holding down the mic.

From Los Angeles Times

Many of these managers have decided that the best chance of standing out in a crowded market is to cater to thrill-seeking investors.

From The Wall Street Journal