canteen

[kan-teen]

noun

1. a small container used especially by soldiers and hikers for carrying water or other liquids.

2. a general store and cafeteria at a military base.

3. a place where free entertainment is provided for military personnel.

4. a place, as in a factory, school, or summer camp, where refreshments and sometimes personal supplies are sold.

5. a recreation center or social club, especially for teenagers.

6. a place set up to dispense food during an emergency.

7. a snack bar.

8. British.,  a box or chest for cutlery and other table utensils.

canteen

/ kænˈtiːn /

noun

1. a restaurant attached to a factory, school, etc, providing meals for large numbers of people

2. 1. a small shop that provides a limited range of items, such as toilet requisites, to a military unit

   2. a recreation centre for military personnel

3. a soldier's eating and drinking utensils

4. a temporary or mobile stand at which food is provided

5. 1. a box in which a set of cutlery is laid out

   2. the cutlery itself

6. a flask or canister for carrying water or other liquids, as used by soldiers or travellers

Word History and Origins

Origin of canteen¹

1730–40; < French cantine < Italian cantina cellar, perhaps derivative of canto corner ( cant ² ) with -ina -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of canteen¹

C18: from French cantine, from Italian cantina wine cellar, from canto corner, from Latin canthus iron hoop encircling chariot wheel; see _cant ²

Example Sentences

It says the new centres would be "basic but not punitive", containing prefabricated two-person rooms, on-site medical facilities, and canteen catering.

From BBC

The words "better together" may have been signposted inside the canteen, but there was a notable absentee.

From BBC

In the corner of the players' canteen, now huge and, like most of the building, light and open-plan, is the familiar sight of a red, white and blue barber's pole.

From BBC

So far, four wards - including the hostel canteen, the site of the crash - have been completely emptied out.

From BBC

The general hum of the canteen was pierced by the sound of approaching jet engines - and then the room exploded.

From BBC

Related Words

• flask 
• water bottle