Food / B1

kaf-uh-TEERR-ee-uh/ˌkæfəˈtɪəriə/

A cafeteria is a self-service restaurant, especially in a hospital, college, or workplace. A canteen is the everyday UK school twin; a refectory is more college or old-fashioned. Hospitals: the cafeteria closes at 7pm; vending is not a hot meal.

Meaning

A self-service restaurant, especially in a hospital, college, or workplace.

Examples

• “The hospital cafeteria closes at 7pm; vending is not a hot meal.”
• “A school canteen is the usual UK word; cafeteria is more hospital or US.”

Good to know

a cafeteria. UK school twin: a canteen. College: a refectory. NHS / campus. Countable rooms. Mix-up: a café is usually table service or smaller.

Near in meaning

canteen, refectory

Topics

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