View synonyms for cater

cater

[key-ter]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used without object)

to provide food, service, etc., as for a party or wedding.
to cater for a banquet.
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

verb (used with object)

to provide food and service for.
to cater a party.

cater

/ ˈkeɪtə /

verb

(intr; foll by for or to) to provide what is required or desired (for)
to cater for a need
cater to your tastes
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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of cater¹

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of cater¹

C16: from earlier catour purchaser, variant of acatour, from Anglo-Norman acater to buy, ultimately related to Latin acceptāre to _accept

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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.

Once the crown jewel of family-friendly resorts, children’s zones risk becoming relics as investment shifts toward amenities that cater to adults: wellness programs, fine dining, cultural excursions and curated experiences.