What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dish
Example
I ordered the chicken tikka masala, which is my favorite Indian dish. [dish: noun]
Example
She cooked the lasagna in a large baking dish. [dish: noun]
plate
Example
He served the spaghetti and meatballs on a large white plate. [plate: noun]
Example
She ordered the sushi plate, which came with a variety of rolls. [plate: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plate is more commonly used than dish in everyday language, especially when referring to the flat dish used for serving food. However, dish is still a common word used in various contexts related to food and cooking.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dish and plate?
While plate can be associated with a more formal or elegant setting, dish can have a more general or informal connotation. Both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.