dine
1 Americanverb (used without object)
-
to eat the principal meal of the day; have dinner.
-
to take any meal.
verb (used with object)
noun
verb phrase
noun
noun
plural
Dinés,plural
Dinéadjective
verb
-
(intr) to eat dinner
-
(intr; often foll by on, off, or upon) to make one's meal (of)
the guests dined upon roast beef
-
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 Word Forms
- predine verb (used without object)
Etymology
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 Diné3
First recorded in 1915–20; a self-designation meaning “The People”; Navajo ( def. )
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.
If you have more time to dine, Times critic Bill Addison recently updated his Palm Springs dining guide.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
“In our view, gas prices are just one factor, but not a determining factor when assessing the health of the consumer and the willingness to dine out,” Saleh said.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026
After more strolls along the tundra, I dine at Grill It restaurant, where winter appears plated rather than resisted.
From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026
She and her husband live in Harrogate with their three children and they usually dine out about once a week.
From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026
Vikus called them all to dine, and even the roaches felt comfortable enough to join the circle.
From "Gregor the Overlander" by Suzanne Collins
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.