trattoria
noun
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In Italian, "trattore" is the word for an innkeeper or restaurant owner. That word derives from the Old French verb traitier, which means "to treat" and is related to the Latin tractare, meaning "to drag about, handle, or deal with." "Trattoria," which first appeared in English in 1832, is one of several words that have entered our language to refer to a kind of specialized eatery - in this case, one that specializes in Italian cuisine. Others that have come later include "bistro" (from French, 1921), "brasserie" (from French, 1864), and "taqueria" (from Mexican Spanish, 1982).
Examples of trattoria in a Sentence
Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Once known mainly for its hearty country trattorias and beachside seafood joints, Calabria is also now a fine-dining destination, with a scatter of Michelin stars.
—Lee Marshall, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 May 2026
End the day at Anthony’s Ristorante, an Italian trattoria dishing up classics with contemporary flair.
—Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 30 Apr. 2026
Things slow down between November and March—a quieter time to stroll through the city, cozy up in trattorias over orecchiette and spaghetti all’assassina, and discover Puglia’s charming surrounding towns with fewer visitors.
—Megan Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Trattoria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trattoria. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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