canteen

[ kan-teen ]

noun

1. a small container used especially by soldiers and hikers for carrying water or other liquids.
2. a general store and cafeteria at a military base.
3. a place where free entertainment is provided for military personnel.
4. a place, as in a factory, school, or summer camp, where refreshments and sometimes personal supplies are sold.
5. a recreation center or social club, especially for teenagers.
6. a place set up to dispense food during an emergency.
7. a snack bar.
8. British. a box or chest for cutlery and other table utensils.

canteen

/ kænˈtiːn /

noun

1. a restaurant attached to a factory, school, etc, providing meals for large numbers of people
2. 1. a small shop that provides a limited range of items, such as toilet requisites, to a military unit
   2. a recreation centre for military personnel
3. a soldier's eating and drinking utensils
4. a temporary or mobile stand at which food is provided
5. 1. a box in which a set of cutlery is laid out
   2. the cutlery itself
6. a flask or canister for carrying water or other liquids, as used by soldiers or travellers

Word History and Origins

Origin of canteen¹

1730–40; < French cantine < Italian cantina cellar, perhaps derivative of canto corner ( cant ² ) with -ina -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of canteen¹

C18: from French cantine, from Italian cantina wine cellar, from canto corner, from Latin canthus iron hoop encircling chariot wheel; see cant ²

Related Words

• flask
• water bottle