The canteen plays an essential role in many institutions, from schools to military bases, providing affordable and accessible food to large numbers of people. In modern times, many canteens have evolved into more sophisticated dining facilities, offering a wide range of cuisines and meal options to cater to diverse preferences. The term canteen has also expanded in use, referring not only to dining facilities but also to small, mobile kitchens or food carts that serve food in public spaces or at outdoor events.
Word 'canteen' in Other Languages
- canteen in Assamese অসমীয়া
- canteen in Bengali বাংলা
- canteen in Bodo बड़ो
- canteen in Dogri डोगरी
- canteen in English
- canteen in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
- canteen in Hindi हिन्दी
- canteen in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
- canteen in Kashmiri कॉशुर
- canteen in Konkani कोंकणी
- canteen in Maithili মৈথিলী
- canteen in Malayalam മലയാളം
- canteen in Manipuri মৈতৈলোন্
- canteen in Marathi मराठी
- canteen in Nepali नेपाली
- canteen in Oriya ଓଡ଼ିଆ
- canteen in Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- canteen in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्
- canteen in Santali
- canteen in Sindhi سنڌي
- canteen in Tamil தமிழ்
- canteen in Telugu తెలుగు
- canteen in Urdu اُردُو
Canteen
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
IPA: /kænˈtiːn/
Phonetic: kan-TEEN
Definitions
- A room or building in an institution (such as a school, military base, or factory) where food is served to employees or students.
- A small container used for carrying liquids or food, often used in outdoor activities or by the military.
- A place within a ship or aircraft where food and beverages are prepared and served.
Usage Examples
- The students ate their lunch in the school canteen.
- They filled their canteens with water before heading out on the hike.
- The workers lined up at the canteen for their break.
Etymology
The word "canteen" comes from the French word "cantine," which referred to a small storeroom or cupboard for food and drink. The term evolved in the 18th century, especially in military contexts, where it referred to a container used for carrying water or alcohol. By the 19th century, the word began to refer to the dining facilities in schools, factories, and other institutions.
Synonyms
- Mess hall
- Lunchroom
- Dining hall
- Cafeteria
Antonyms
- Private kitchen
- Individual dining
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | cantina | kan-TEE-nah |
| French | cantine | kan-TEEN |
| German | Kantine | kan-TEE-nuh |
| Hindi | कैटीन | kai-teen |
| Italian | mensa | MEN-sah |
| Portuguese | cantina | kan-TEE-nah |
| Russian | столовая | stoh-LOH-vah-yah |
| Arabic | كانتين | kan-teen |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In American English: /kænˈtiːn/ (kan-TEEN)
In British English: /ˈkænˌtiːn/ (KAN-teen)
Historical Usage
Originally, "canteen" referred to a small container used by soldiers and travelers to carry water or alcohol. The term later expanded to denote a dining facility in military or institutional settings. Over time, its usage has spread to include foodservice areas in schools, offices, and factories, and even small mobile units for outdoor activities such as hiking or camping.
Cultural Nuances
The concept of the canteen varies across cultures. In many countries, the term refers to a low-cost, informal dining facility serving meals to workers, students, or members of an organization. In the military, canteens play a vital role in providing sustenance during long operations. In India, the term canteen is commonly used in schools, government offices, and railways, where it refers to a subsidized food service. In contrast, the American "cafeteria" has become a more casual term for an institutional dining space, often with a wider variety of foods available.