First Known Use: 1894
Dictionary
1cafeteria
noun caf·e·te·ria \ˌka-fə-ˈtir-ē-ə\
: a place (such as a restaurant or a room in a school) where people get food at a counter and carry it to a table for eating
Full Definition of CAFETERIA
1
: a restaurant in which the customers serve themselves or are served at a counter and take the food to tables to eat
2
: lunchroom 2
See cafeteria defined for English-language learners
See cafeteria defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CAFETERIA
American Spanish cafetería coffeehouse, from cafetera coffee maker, from French cafetière, from café
Rhymes with CAFETERIA
2cafeteria
adjective
Definition of CAFETERIA
: providing a selection from which a choice may be made <cafeteria benefit plan> <a cafeteria curriculum>
First Known Use of CAFETERIA
1951
CAFETERIA Defined for Kids
cafeteria
noun caf·e·te·ria \ˌka-fə-ˈtir-ē-ə\
Definition of CAFETERIA for Kids
: a place where people get food at a counter and carry it to a table for eating <a school cafeteria>
Learn More About CAFETERIA
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: cafeteria carPrevious Word in the Dictionary: cafetalAll Words Near: cafeteria
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up cafeteria? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).