fast-food

¹

[fast-food, fahst-]

adjective

1. of or specializing in fast food.

fast food

²

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.

fast food

noun

1. food that requires little preparation before being served

adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of fast food¹

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Origin of fast food²

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Example Sentences

When you scan their rural town, a wasteland of Dollar General stores and fast food chains, most of their neighbors seem to have already faded away.

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Jack in the Box, the San Diego-based fast food chain offering burgers, chicken and more, announced plans to close 150 to 200 stores.

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Consumers have complained about higher prices for fast food in recent years, especially for a visit to McDonald’s.

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His business ventures also include fast food and an Amazon TV gameshow, Beast Games.

Read more on BBC

They're more likely to sleep on buses and in fast food restaurants, or walk around all night with their belongings.

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When To Use

​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.