dine

¹

[ dahyn ]

verb (used without object)

, dined, din·ing.

1. to eat the principal meal of the day; have dinner.
2. to take any meal.

verb (used with object)

, dined, din·ing.

1. to entertain at dinner.

noun

1. Scot. dinner.

verb phrase

1. to take a meal, especially the principal or more formal meal of the day, away from home, as in a hotel or restaurant:

   They dine out at least once a week.

Dine

²

[ dahyn ]

noun

1. James Jim, born 1935, U.S. painter.

Diné

³

[ dih-ney ]

noun

, plural Di·nés, (especially collectively) Di·né.

1. a member of the Navajo people.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the Navajo, their language, or their culture:

   handcrafted Diné jewelry.

dine

/ daɪn /

verb

1. intr to eat dinner
2. intr; often foll by on, off, or upon to make one's meal (of)

   the guests dined upon roast beef

3. informal.
   tr to entertain to dinner (esp in the phrase wine and dine someone )

Sensitive Note

The name Diné comes from the Native Athabascan language of the tribe, and it is preferred by many over Navajo, a name assigned by Spanish missionaries. Nevertheless, Navajo and Navaho are still in use and remain acceptable.

Other Words From

• pre·dine verb (used without object) predined predining

Word History and Origins

Origin of dine¹

1250–1300; Middle English dinen < Anglo-French, Old French di ( s ) ner < Vulgar Latin *disjējūnāre to break one's fast, equivalent to Latin dis- dis- ¹ + Late Latin jējūnāre to fast; jejune

Origin of dine²

First recorded in 1915–20; a self-designation meaning “The People”; Navajo ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of dine¹

C13: from Old French disner, contracted from Vulgar Latin disjējūnāre (unattested) to cease fasting, from dis- not + Late Latin jējūnāre to fast; see jejune

Idioms and Phrases

In addition to the idiom beginning with dine , also see eat (dine) out ; wine and dine .

Example Sentences

The childcare crisis has only been exacerbated by the pandemic, which resulted in widespread dining room and daycare closures.

From Salon

Memorabilia are laid out on the dining room table, a memory jog as Dec. 7 approaches: campaign medals, a photo with President Trump, a framed news clipping and a black-and-white of the USS Curtiss.

From Los Angeles Times

About 200 miles southeast in the community of Cobb, “the chandeliers in the dining room were shaking a little bit” at Adams Springs Golf Course, said Armond Urbano, who runs the pro shop there.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s something comforting about their suburban reliability: the sprawling menu, the faux-Texan aesthetic, the sizzling skillet of fajitas that makes everyone look up when it’s carried across the dining room.

From Salon

Five other spaces, including a rooftop bar and casual dining area, have equally jaw-dropping vistas.

From New York Times

Related Words

• consume
• eat out
• feast
• lunch