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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

Fast food and beverage companies say they need to watch out for consumer concerns about contaminants in produce and packaging.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Fast food restaurant worker Hassan Ali Tipu said it would "help us with our utilities because prices are getting high, it would help us in our daily life to meet our goal".

From BBC • Oct. 21, 2025

Fast food has long been regarded as a convenient and affordable meal option.

From Salon • May 28, 2024

Fast food has long been a staple of American diets because it is, or was, so inexpensive.

From Seattle Times • May 22, 2024

Fast food was not only tasty but also affordable.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times