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

There is also a long list of bars and restaurants hosting watch parties. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 June 2026

Jerg Ramel brought his mother and a family friend to the restaurant, despite being only a few miles from where the game was being played. —John Ramos, CBS News, 14 June 2026

Towns mostly have several restaurants. —Allen Best, Denver Post, 14 June 2026

Situated right on Main Street, the hotel is conveniently close to shops and restaurants like Great Turtle Brewery & Distillery, and is only steps away from the ferry dock. —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 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"