caterer

American  

[key-ter-er] / ˈkeɪ tər ər /

noun

1. one whose business is to provide food, supplies, and sometimes service at social gatherings.

2. one who caters.

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caterer British  

/ ˈkeɪtərə /

noun

1. a person who caters, esp one who as a profession provides food for large social events, etc

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Etymology

Origin of caterer

First recorded in 1585–95; cater + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Hernandez, who earned her certificate this spring, has already found a job preparing custards and other items for a cafe and caterer.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 5, 2025

Normally what they do is they'll hire a caterer and hire a party planner, they'll come in and they'll fluff and puff your house and cook all the food, and I would just disappear.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2025

“Honestly, no-one here gives a damn,” said a local caterer, Evan Tuvignon, leaning on his shop counter and suggesting that people were fed up with the whole case.

From BBC • Sep. 10, 2024

At various points, Garvey allegedly owed money to his gardener, his mirror installer, a caterer, local grocery stores, and his church.

From Slate • May 29, 2024

She imagined them nursing quiet plans for her wedding; her mother would think of a caterer and colors, and her father would think of a distinguished friend he could ask to be the sponsor.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie