fast-food

¹ American  

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

adjective

1. of or specializing in fast food.

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fast food ² 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 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 food¹

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Example Sentences

Local authorities have also been given the power to stop fast food shops setting up outside schools.

From Barron's

Today, pizza shops are engaged in price wars with one another and other kinds of fast food.

From The Wall Street Journal

And UK food advertising spend is dominated by products high in fat, salt and sugar, such as confectionery, sugary drinks, fast food, and snacks, according to the latest Ofcom Communications Market Report.

From BBC

When people caught wind that the Ridgerunner guys were holding a meeting at a nearby fast food joint, dozens turned up to confront them.

From BBC

As fast food and fast casual felt less affordable, casual dining started to look competitive again.

From Barron's