dine

¹

[dahyn]

verb (used without object)

dined, dining 

1. to eat the principal meal of the day; have dinner.

2. to take any meal.

verb (used with object)

dined, dining 

1. to entertain at dinner.

noun

1. Scot.,  dinner.

verb phrase

1. dine out,  to take a meal, especially the principal or more formal meal of the day, away from home, as in a hotel or restaurant.

   They dine out at least once a week.

Dine

²

[dahyn]

noun

1. James Jim, born 1935, U.S. painter.

Diné

³

[dih-ney]

noun

plural

Dinés ,

plural

Diné .

1. a member of the Navajo people.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the Navajo, their language, or their culture.

   handcrafted Diné jewelry.

dine

/ daɪn /

verb

1. (intr) to eat dinner

2. (intr; often foll by on, off, or upon) to make one's meal (of)

   the guests dined upon roast beef

3. informal,  (tr) to entertain to dinner (esp in the phrase wine and dine someone )

Sensitive Note

The name Diné comes from the Native Athabascan language of the tribe, and it is preferred by many over Navajo, a name assigned by Spanish missionaries. Nevertheless, Navajo and Navaho are still in use and remain acceptable.

Other Word Forms

• predine verb (used without object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of dine¹

1250–1300; Middle English dinen < Anglo-French, Old French di ( s ) ner < Vulgar Latin *disjējūnāre to break one's fast, equivalent to Latin dis- dis- ¹ + Late Latin jējūnāre to fast; jejune

Origin of dine²

First recorded in 1915–20; a self-designation meaning “The People”; Navajo ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of dine¹

C13: from Old French disner, contracted from Vulgar Latin disjējūnāre (unattested) to cease fasting, from dis- not + Late Latin jējūnāre to fast; see _jejune

Idioms and Phrases

• eat (dine) out
• wine and dine

Example Sentences

One day, I came to the dining room of my gracious place, and seated across from me was a woman who immediately struck me.

From Los Angeles Times

I purchased my dining room table at Sunbeam Vintage in Highland Park.

From Los Angeles Times

The “heroes” that inspired his giant dishes rest on the counter and the influence for “Under the Table” is his actual dining table.

From Los Angeles Times

Plans for the resort in Bedford describe a similar space called the Entry Plaza which will offer themed retail, dining, and entertainment experiences.

From BBC

It has a large rooftop space with both indoor and outdoor lounging, dining areas and gas grills.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• consume 
• eat out 
• feast 
• lunch