説明中心

cafeteria

[ˌkæfəˈtɪəriə]

cafeteria Definition

a restaurant or dining area in a school, hospital, or office building where customers serve themselves or are served from a counter and pay before eating.

Using cafeteria: Examples

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

  • Example

    I usually eat lunch at the cafeteria.

  • Example

    The hospital cafeteria serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • Example

    The company cafeteria is closed on weekends.

  • Example

    The school cafeteria offers vegetarian options.

cafeteria Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for cafeteria

Phrases with cafeteria

  • cafeteria-style

    a way of serving food in which customers serve themselves from a counter and pay before eating

    Example

    The restaurant offers cafeteria-style service for breakfast and lunch.

  • an employee benefit plan that allows employees to choose from a variety of benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and life insurance

    Example

    The company offers a cafeteria plan that allows employees to select the benefits that best suit their needs.

  • a person who identifies as Catholic but selectively follows the teachings of the Church

    Example

    He considers himself a cafeteria Catholic because he disagrees with some of the Church's teachings.

Origins of cafeteria

from Spanish 'cafetería', meaning 'coffeehouse'

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Summary: cafeteria in Brief

A 'cafeteria' [ˌkæfəˈtɪəriə] is a self-service restaurant or dining area in a school, hospital, or office building where customers pay before eating. It offers a range of meal options, including vegetarian choices, and may be closed on weekends. 'Cafeteria' also appears in phrases like 'cafeteria-style,' referring to self-service, and 'cafeteria plan,' an employee benefit plan. 'Cafeteria Catholic' denotes someone who selectively follows the teachings of the Catholic Church.

How do native speakers use this expression?