canteen

noun can·teen \ kan-ˈtēn \

Updated on: 3 Apr 2018

Definition of canteen

1 a : a portable chest with compartments for carrying bottles or for cooking and eating utensils

b : a flask for carrying liquids (as on a hike)

c : mess kit

d British : a chest for storing flatware

2 a : a bar at a military post or camp

b : a general store at a military post : exchange

c : an establishment that serves as an informal social club (as for soldiers or a community's teenagers)

d : a small cafeteria or snack bar

See canteen defined for English-language learners

See canteen defined for kids

Recent Examples of canteen from the Web

Indianapolis rallied around the canteen in typical Hoosier spirit.

— dawn mitchell, Indianapolis Star, "Union Station canteen was 'home away from home' for fighting forces," 30 Mar. 2018
At the start of World War I, to contribute to the family income, Eugenia started making sandwiches in her home kitchen and selling them to the canteen at Camp Sevier, about six miles from Greenville.

— kathleen purvis, charlotteobserver, "S.C. town creates memorial to the queen of Southern mayonnaise, inventor Eugenia Duke | Charlotte Observer," 23 Mar. 2018
The next entry shows Gigger was docked pay for losing a canteen and a haversack.

— dennis hohenberger, Courant Community, "Exhibit Focuses On Locals In Civil War," 14 Mar. 2018
But just outside the frame are clues that the structure in his picture is nowhere near the Champ de Mars: Chinese script adorns all the shop signs, and there is no shortage of canteens serving up fried rice.

— laura mallonee, WIRED, "Side-By-Side Photos of Paris and Its Chinese Knockoff," 13 Mar. 2018
My mama nodded and reached for the canteen at the side of our horse.

— clarkisha kent, The Root, "Bloody Mae," 11 Mar. 2018
Find a good reusable option, such as a stainless-steel canteen-like bottle.

— atlanta life, ajc, "5 simple things you can do for the environment and your health," 23 Feb. 2018
At Pimlico’s plush office, the plumbers can use an ultra-modern gym and eat in a subsidised canteen.

— The Economist, "Firming up the underbellyThe Pimlico Plumbers case is a big challenge to Britain’s gig economy," 20 Feb. 2018
Dot was then afforded the chance to eat fish and chips in the senior side's main canteen alongside her son, daughter and grandson before she was handed a bouquet of blue roses by centre-back pair Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams.

— SI.com, "PHOTO: Roses are Blue! Everton Treat Lifelong Fan to Heartwarming Valentine's Day Event," 15 Feb. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of canteen

French cantine bottle case, sutler's shop, from Italian cantina wine cellar, probably from canto corner, from Latin canthus iron tire — more at cant

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1737

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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CANTEEN Defined for English Language Learners

canteen

noun

Definition of canteen for English Language Learners

: a store in a camp, school, etc., in which food, drinks, and small supplies are sold
: a place where drinks and entertainment are provided for soldiers at a military base or camp
: a place where food is served in a factory, school, etc.

CANTEEN Defined for Kids

canteen

noun can·teen \ kan-ˈtēn \

Definition of canteen for Students

1 : a store (as in a camp or factory) in which food, drinks, and small supplies are sold

2 : a place of recreation and entertainment for people in military service

3 : a small container for carrying water or another liquid

a hiker's canteen

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See words that rhyme with canteen Spanish Central: Translation of canteen Nglish: Translation of canteen for Spanish speakers

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CANTEEN Defined for English Language Learners

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CANTEEN Defined for English Language Learners

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