cater

[ key-ter ]

verb (used without object)

1. to provide food, service, etc., as for a party or wedding:

   to cater for a banquet.

2. to provide or supply what amuses, is desired, or gives pleasure, comfort, etc. (usually followed by to or for ):

   to cater to popular demand; to cater to an invalid.

   Synonyms: please, indulge, humor

verb (used with object)

1. to provide food and service for:

   to cater a party.

cater

/ ˈkeɪtə /

verb

1. intr; foll by for or to to provide what is required or desired (for)

   cater to your tastes

   to cater for a need

2. whenintr, foll by for to provide food, services, etc (for)

   to cater a banquet

   we cater for parties

Other Words From

• cater·ing·ly adverb
• un·catered adjective
• un·cater·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cater¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; verb use of obsolete cater, Middle English catour, variant of acatour “buyer,” from Anglo-French, from acat(er) “to buy” ( cate ) + -our -or ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of cater¹

C16: from earlier catour purchaser, variant of acatour, from Anglo-Norman acater to buy, ultimately related to Latin acceptāre to accept

Example Sentences

Speaking about his properties, Justin says his firm's unique selling point is catering for large celebrations.

From BBC

"There simply isn’t enough space to cater for the increasing numbers."

From BBC

Those institutions in Germany that use outside for their students catering rarely receive food wrapped in single-use packaging.

From Salon

To its credit, the Los Angeles Unified School District has retained gifted education, with programs catering to different academic and creative skills.

From Los Angeles Times

Senior catering rating John Angus McDonald also recalls some heavy seas when the ship took a group of passengers to Islay to celebrate Hogmanay.

From BBC