fast food

¹ American  

noun

1. food, as hamburgers, pizza, or fried chicken, that is prepared in quantity by a standardized method and can be dispensed quickly at inexpensive restaurants for eating there or elsewhere.

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fast-food ² American  

[fast-food, fahst-] / ˈfæstˈfud, ˈfɑst- /

adjective

1. of or specializing in fast food.

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fast food British  

noun

1. food that requires little preparation before being served

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adjective

1. (of a restaurant, café, etc) serving such food

Usage

​What does fast food mean?​ Fast food is food quickly prepared and served, often at chain restaurants and typically associated with less expensive and less nutritious items like hamburgers, french fries, and soft drinks.

Etymology

Origin of fast food¹

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Origin of fast-food²

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Example Sentences

Workers have urged city lawmakers to pass the Fast Food Fair Work Ordinance, which would establish paid, full-day training on workers’ rights and expand paid leave for fast food workers.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

When McDonald’s launched its “McValue” menu last year, analysts said it reflected weaker demand for fast food.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

From his fruit shop in Blaenau Gwent, greengrocer Stuart Lewis watches children walk past every morning, buying fast food on their way to school.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

The two are so hyperfixated on the idea of sliders, fries and a couple of soft drinks that they’ll stop at nothing to get their hands on the perfect fast food.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

From the packaging to the taste, fast food is designed to be eaten quickly.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan