buffet

[bəˈfeɪ]

buffet Definition

  • 1a meal consisting of several dishes from which guests serve themselves
  • 2a piece of furniture with drawers and shelves for the display of plates, dishes, and bowls
  • 3to knock someone or something off course

Using buffet: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "buffet" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The hotel offers a breakfast buffet.

  • Example

    The buffet was filled with a variety of dishes.

  • Example

    She inherited a beautiful antique buffet from her grandmother.

  • Example

    The strong winds buffeted the ship.

buffet Synonyms and Antonyms

Idioms Using buffet

  • a wide variety or selection of something

    Example

    The conference offered a buffet of workshops and seminars on various topics.

  • to be hit or pushed by strong winds

    Example

    The plane was buffeted by strong winds during the flight.

  • to treat someone roughly or unkindly

    Example

    He felt like he was being buffeted around by his boss, who kept changing his mind about the project.

Phrases with buffet

  • a railway carriage with a counter or serving area for food and drink

    Example

    I always get a sandwich from the buffet car when I travel by train.

  • a meal at which guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes laid out on a table or sideboard

    Example

    We had a buffet lunch at the office to celebrate the end of the project.

  • buffet-style

    served in a manner where guests can help themselves to food from a variety of dishes laid out on a table or sideboard

    Example

    The wedding reception was buffet-style, with guests serving themselves from a variety of dishes.

Origins of buffet

from French 'buffet', meaning 'sideboard'

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Summary: buffet in Brief

The term 'buffet' [bəˈfeɪ] has three main meanings: a meal consisting of several dishes from which guests serve themselves, a piece of furniture for displaying dishes, and to knock someone or something off course. Examples include 'The hotel offers a breakfast buffet,' and 'She inherited a beautiful antique buffet from her grandmother.' Phrases include 'buffet lunch,' and idioms like 'a buffet of something,' denoting a wide variety or selection.

How do native speakers use this expression?