Words / B1

KAYT-uh-ring/ˈkeɪtərɪŋ/

Catering is providing food for organisations or events: school catering; a catering contract. Cater is the verb (cater for a wedding; cater for different needs). Hospitality is wider (hotels too). Uncountable. Do not call home cooking catering. UK inspections often mention catering hygiene in schools and hospitals.

Meaning

The work of providing food and drink for events or organisations.

Examples

• “The school outsourced catering after the inspection on hygiene.”
• “The school outsourced catering after the hygiene inspection.”
• “The venue’s catering could not meet the nut-free requirement.”

Good to know

Uncountable: catering; catering contract / staff. Verb: cater for. Wider: hospitality. Not ordinary home cooking.

New