restaurant

noun

res·​tau·​rant ˈre-stə-ˌränt 

-stränt

also -st(ə-)rənt, 

-stərnt

: a business establishment where meals or refreshments may be purchased

Synonyms of restaurant

• diner
• grill
• cafeteria

Examples of restaurant in a Sentence

when we get sick of cooking dinner at home, we like to go out to eat at a nice restaurant

Recent Examples on the Web

The restaurant received a score of 68 and has since been re-inspected and cleared to open. — Mary Ella Hastings july 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 July 2026

Get the deal in the Whataburger app or online, at participating restaurants. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Little Spirit’s address puts it within walking distance of several other restaurants and bars, including a few spots likely to show big sporting events. — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026

Why China is moving fast with robot hospitality China has already embraced service robots in hotels, restaurants, airports and public spaces. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "restorative food or drink, public establishment where food and drink may be purchased," noun derivative from present participle of restaurer "to repair, refresh, renew," going back to Old French restorer, restaurer — more at restore

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing restaurant

• Chinese restaurant syndrome
• restaurant car

Rhymes for restaurant

• commandant
• confidant
• conodont
• debutante
• nonchalant
• avant
• croissant
• detente
• entente
• passant
• savant
• storefront

Kids Definition

restaurant

noun

res·​tau·​rant ˈres-t(ə-)rənt 

-tə-ˌränt

: a business place where meals or refreshments may be bought

Etymology

from French restaurant "food that restores, restaurant," from restaurer "to restore, renew"