food court

noun

1. a space, as in a shopping mall, with a concentration of fast-food stalls and usually a common eating area.

Word History and Origins

Origin of food court¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

There is a mask requirement throughout the terminal, except when you’re sitting in the food court eating, but even then we expect you to wear your mask as much as possible.

From Washington Post

Take a break from shopping with 18 bands performing across three stages, or browse an outdoor food court featuring local restaurants.

From Washington Post

A video clip from a security camera in the mall’s food court shows Billa and several other young men nearing each other, and an altercation breaking out as Billa knocks down a member of the other group.

From ProPublica

So, it was very frustrating, especially since restaurant patios were shut down, and certain other areas like dining food courts in malls were not immediately.

From Eater

He and his partners now hope to open a food court that offers healthy options, which he sees as critical in an area with a lower-than-average life expectancy.

From ProPublica

A food court in a suburban mall seemed like a good place to meet Ed the Sock.

From The Daily Beast

All of this family drama comes to a head at a food court at JFK.

From The Daily Beast

Beitar fans harassed and spat at two Arab women and their children eating in the food court.

From The Daily Beast

I thought he was going to come into the food court, but he kept going straight, toward JCPenney.

From The Daily Beast

While a Chick-Fil-A with a limited menu can be found in New York University's Weinstein Food Court.

From The Daily Beast