caterer

[ key-ter-er ]

/ ˈkeɪ tər ər /

noun

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

one who caters.

Nearby words

catenulate, cater, cater-cornered, cater-cousin, cateran, caterer, caterina, catering, caterpillar, caterpillar flap, caterpillar hunter

Origin of caterer

First recorded in 1585–95; cater + -er¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for caterer

How about forcing a Muslim caterer to work a pork barbeque dinner?
Fringe Factor: You Will Have to Bake a Penis Cake|Caitlin Dickson|March 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“Right now you got a grocery store,” said the caterer, Frank Pernice.
The Studio 54 of Sex|Jon Hart|April 7, 2009|DAILY BEAST
She was to go into the city the following morning and visit Achenbach, the caterer.
Elizabeth Hobart at Exeter Hall|Jean K. Baird
He also ordered an additional supply of smoked beef and tongues, which, of course, the caterer was glad to convey on board.
Watch and Wait|Oliver Optic

It should have been so, for a caterer was in the kitchen, and a hired waitress served the viands without disaster.
The Indifference of Juliet|Grace S. Richmond
Recovering himself, the caterer hurried towards his assembled employees.
The Triumph of Virginia Dale|John Francis, Jr.
Cateress is feminine: the masculine is caterer, where the final -er of the agent is unnecessarily repeated.
Milton's Comus|John Milton

British Dictionary definitions for caterer

caterer

/ (ˈkeɪtərə) /

noun

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

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

Word Origin and History for caterer

caterer

mid-15c., earlier simply cater (see cater (v.)). With redundant -er (cf. poulterer, sorcerer, upholsterer).