canteen

noun

can·​teen kan-ˈtēn 

1

a

: a portable chest with compartments for carrying bottles or for cooking and eating utensils

b

: a flask for carrying liquids (as on a hike)

c

: mess kit

d

British : a chest for storing flatware

2

a

: a bar at a military post or camp

b

: a general store at a military post : exchange

c

: an establishment that serves as an informal social club (as for soldiers or a community's teenagers)

d

: a small cafeteria or snack bar

Examples of canteen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Every era has had its own set of triggers for the decline, Fontaine explains, from urbanization and deindustrialization to the rise of staff canteens, or company cafeterias, and, more recently, the advent of the internet. —Chrissie McClatchie, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 June 2024

Tasty Meals in Senior Canteens: The community canteens, offering huge plates for a dollar or two, have become popular among penny-pinching young professionals. —Alexandra Stevenson, New York Times, 6 May 2024

The music: Before the meal began, Bille Brahe asked Rosenbaum, another longtime friend, to give an impromptu piano concert in the canteen. —Gisela Williams, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024

Meals were served in canteens or during a beach barbecue. —Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 31 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French cantine bottle case, sutler's shop, from Italian cantina wine cellar, probably from canto corner, from Latin canthus iron tire — more at cant entry 4

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

canteen

noun

can·​teen kan-ˈtēn 

1

: a store (as in a camp) in which food, drinks, and small supplies are sold

2

: a place of recreation and entertainment for people in military service

3

: a small container for carrying liquids (as on a hike)