What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cateress
Example
The cateress did an excellent job organizing the menu for the wedding reception. [cateress: noun]
Example
She is a talented cateress who can handle any size event with ease. [cateress: noun]
caterer
Example
We hired a caterer to handle the food for our company's anniversary party. [caterer: noun]
Example
The caterer did an amazing job with the presentation and taste of the dishes. [caterer: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Caterer is more commonly used than cateress in everyday language and in the catering industry. Caterer is a versatile term that covers both male and female professionals in the field, while cateress is less common and has historical associations with a predominantly female-led industry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cateress and caterer?
While cateress may sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned, caterer is the more commonly used and recognized term in the catering industry. Caterer can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more versatile choice.