cafeteria-style

adjective

caf·​e·​te·​ria-style ˌka-fə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌstī(-ə)l How to pronounce cafeteria-style (audio)
: cafeteria
cafeteria-style benefits

Examples of cafeteria-style in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The cafeteria-style eatery has a little something for everyone, from pizza and hamburgers to soups and salads. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 19 Feb. 2026 Tucked in the back of the store lies a row of tables and an old-school cafeteria-style counter. Natalie Hoy, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026 Jordan’s Deli debuted last month at 1035 Lincoln St., taking over a cafeteria-style counter last used by Melita’s Greek Cafe & Market. Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 9 Feb. 2026 Nebu, the cafeteria-style eatery, is open for breakfast and lunch every weekday. Janae Williams, Oklahoman, 3 Feb. 2026 Dinner is served by volunteers, cafeteria-style, and guests eat the meal out on the patio. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026 Brennan, who had previously just played small background parts, went on to describe how his childhood home had a cafeteria-style milk machine and a milkman who delivered. Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 20 Oct. 2025 Food is served cafeteria-style and is all-you-can-eat. Erik Buckingham, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cafeteria-style was in 1906

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Cite this Entry

“Cafeteria-style.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cafeteria-style. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

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