banquet

noun ban·quet \ ˈbaŋ-kwət , ˈban- also -ˌkwet \

|Updated on: 9 Jul 2018

Definition of banquet

1 : a sumptuous feast; especially : an elaborate and often ceremonious meal for numerous people often in honor of a person

a state banquet

2 : a meal held in recognition of some occasion or achievement

an awards banquet

See banquet defined for English-language learners

See banquet defined for kids

Examples of banquet in a Sentence

They held a banquet in his honor.
prepared a celebratory banquet for the graduating class

Recent Examples of banquet from the Web

Mettille began working at the sports bar three years ago, bartending for parties in the banquet hall.

— hannah kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Meet the new owners of Friends on Forest Home in Greenfield," 3 July 2018
Not just in a lovely, TV camera-free banquet hall days before the actual show.

— refinery29.com, "Why Are The BET Awards Shutting Out Women Performers?," 25 June 2018
The annual banquet of the Asian American Licensed Beverage Association of Philadelphia, of which Mike Poeng is among the 245 members, was the next day.

— julie shaw, Philly.com, "He survived Cambodia's killing fields, only to be shot in West Philly by man with an AK-47," 20 June 2018
As the high tea service and fashion show was being prepared in the banquet hall, more than 300 women of all generations filled the airy pavilions and balconies of the hotel, determined to enjoy the day to the fullest.

— flora tsapovsky, San Francisco Chronicle, "Wine, Women & Shoes delivers on name," 5 June 2018
Meanwhile, banquet halls, hotels and country clubs dropped in popularity as venues for ceremonies and receptions.

— dana burke, Houston Chronicle, "Where to have your own barn wedding in the Houston area," 21 May 2018
The 60-room facility is located at 128 Main St., and features classic New England architecture, wood fire fireplaces, full buffet breakfasts, landscaped courtyards, banquet halls, more.

— zipporah osei, BostonGlobe.com, "Cybersecurity, teacher of the year, and a historical inn," 18 May 2018
Oh, and there will be a banquet hall large enough for 1,000 people.

— mallorie sullivan, Cincinnati.com, "This former Macy's is set to become the largest indoor entertainment center in the U.S.," 5 May 2018
The hotel won't have meeting rooms or banquet halls, with the idea being to steer guests to the golf course's club.

— lisa j. huriash, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Tamarac OKs $4M cost increase on path to hotel project," 1 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'banquet.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of banquet

Middle French, from Old Italian banchetto, from diminutive of banca bench, bank

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

banquet Synonyms

Synonyms

dinner, feast, feed, spread;

Related Words

chow, mess, repast, table;

blowout, carnival, festival, fete (or fête), gala, party, shindig;

festivity;

barbecue (also barbeque), clambake, cookout, fry, luau, roast;

buffet, luncheon, smorgasbord;

banquet

verb

Definition of banquet

banqueted; banqueting; banquets

intransitive verb

: to partake of a banquet

The night before, after a typical 12-hour workday, the president banqueted until nearly midnight …
—Spike Mafford

transitive verb

: to treat with a banquet : feast

They will be banqueting visiting dignitaries.

—

banqueter

noun

Examples of banquet in a Sentence

banqueted the returning troops at the military base

Origin and Etymology of banquet

see ¹banquet

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1500

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

See Words from the same year

banquet Synonyms

Synonyms

dine, feast, junket, regale;

Related Words

board, cater, feed, provision;

fete (or fête), honor, recognize;

BANQUET Defined for English Language Learners

banquet

noun

Definition of banquet for English Language Learners

: a formal dinner for many people usually to celebrate a special event

BANQUET Defined for Kids

banquet

noun ban·quet \ ˈbaŋ-kwət \

Definition of banquet for Students

: a formal dinner for many people usually to celebrate a special event

Learn More about banquet

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for banquet Spanish Central: Translation of banquet Nglish: Translation of banquet for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of banquet for Arabic speakers

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banquet

Definition of banquet

Examples of banquet in a Sentence

Recent Examples of banquet from the Web

Origin and Etymology of banquet

banquet Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

banquet

Definition of banquet

banqueter

Examples of banquet in a Sentence

Origin and Etymology of banquet

banquet Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

BANQUET Defined for English Language Learners

banquet

Definition of banquet for English Language Learners

BANQUET Defined for Kids

banquet

Definition of banquet for Students

Learn More about banquet

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