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• fast food
  fast food

  noun

  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.
• fast-food
  fast-food

  adjective

  of or specializing in fast food.

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

Unlike President Donald Trump, he is not a fan of fast food, but he is a big believer in animal protein and raw milk.

From Salon • May 15, 2026

“It’s fast food or it’s packing boxes,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

On a bright Tehran spring day, Sanaei Ghaznavi street, with its mix of shops selling groceries and household goods alongside fast food and flowers, seems like an everyday place.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Protect Los Angeles Residents, a coalition backed by fast food restaurants, claims the ordinance would be too costly and jeopardize the city’s restaurant owners.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

The star atop his drive-in sign became the mascot of his fast food chain.

From "Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal" by Eric Schlosser