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

There have been delays to some courses becoming available, such as catering.

From BBC

The food comes from places such as supermarkets or the catering industry - and rather than wasting good quality unsold food, it is used to help those facing food poverty.

From BBC

He then went to live in a home for children that catered for his needs.

From BBC

“We cater to all kinds of walkers, which is sometimes tricky if we have some people walking faster or slower than others,” Petersen wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

And the library caters to homebound patrons with a program linking them with neighbors who can pick up and drop off materials.

From Los Angeles Times