mess hall

American  

noun

1. a place in which a group eats regularly, especially a dining hall in a military camp, post, etc.

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mess hall British  

noun

1. a military dining room, usually large

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Etymology

Origin of mess hall

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Critics of the leasing program argued that Building 13’s prime location, architectural value and original function as a mess hall made it an ideal community building.

From Los Angeles Times

It wasn’t much—a control tower and a six-thousand-foot runway, mobile homes, and a mess hall.

From Literature

“But by the time we got those, the only set we had left to build was the mess hall that you walked into, which was part of the zoo lab,” said production designer Andy Nicholson.

From Salon

“The BOP official further advised that Mr. Kelly should avoid the mess hall.”

From Los Angeles Times

Photos show a huge part of the plane stuck in one of the hostel buildings, and a dusty, deserted mess hall with plates of uneaten food still on the tables.

From BBC

Related Words

• bistro
• booth
• coffee shop
• saloon