fast food

¹ American  

noun

1. food, as hamburgers, pizza, or fried chicken, that is prepared in quantity by a standardized method and can be dispensed quickly at inexpensive restaurants for eating there or elsewhere.

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fast-food ² American  

[fast-food, fahst-] / ˈfæstˈfud, ˈfɑst- /

adjective

1. of or specializing in fast food.

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fast food British  

noun

1. food that requires little preparation before being served

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adjective

1. (of a restaurant, café, etc) serving such food

Usage

​What does fast food mean?​ Fast food is food quickly prepared and served, often at chain restaurants and typically associated with less expensive and less nutritious items like hamburgers, french fries, and soft drinks.

Etymology

Origin of fast food¹

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Origin of fast-food²

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Example Sentences

This has pushed value-conscious customers to cut back on fast food and cook more at home.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

The beloved burger chain, whose long lines often wrap around the block, has stood out against fast food competitors in its resistance to automated ordering.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Mr. Haring compared the venture to a Brookstone and called it his “version of fast food or fast art.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Roger Towersey, who taught geography at Ditton Park Academy in Slough, Berkshire, also admitted to spending about £1,000 on fast food for "vulnerable" students.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

He was still hell-bent on me working fast food for minimum wage, because he said saving tuition money was more important.

From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King