First Known Use: 1837
Dictionary
menu
noun \ˈmen-(ˌ)yü, ˈmān-\
: a list of the foods that may be ordered at a restaurant
: the foods that are served at a meal
: a list of things that you can choose from; especially computers : a list shown on a computer from which you make choices to control what the computer does
plural menus
Full Definition of MENU
1
a : a list of the dishes that may be ordered (as in a restaurant) or that are to be served (as at a banquet) b (1) : a comparable list or assortment of offerings <a menu of television programs> (2) : a list shown on the display of a computer from which a user can select the operation the computer is to perform
2
: the dishes available for or served at a meal; also : the meal itself
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Origin of MENU
French, from menu small, detailed, from Old French — more at minuet
Related to MENU
- Synonyms
- card, bill of fare
MENU Defined for Kids
menu
noun \ˈmen-yü\
Definition of MENU for Kids
1
: a list of dishes that may be ordered in a restaurant
2
: the dishes or kinds of food served at a meal <Have you decided on the menu for your party?>
3
: a list shown on a computer screen from which a user can select an operation for the computer to perform
Word History of MENU
The word menu can be traced to the Latin adjective minutus, meaning “small.” From minutus came the French adjective menu, the meanings of which include “small” and “detailed.” The use of menu as a noun meaning “a list of dishes” came from the “detailed” sense of the adjective, since menus are to different degrees detailed lists of foods.
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