Definition of canteen
1a : a portable chest with compartments for carrying bottles or for cooking and eating utensilsb : a flask for carrying liquids (as on a hike)c : mess kitd British : a chest for storing flatware
2a : a bar at a military post or campb : a general store at a military post : exchangec : an establishment that serves as an informal social club (as for soldiers or a community's teenagers)d : a small cafeteria or snack bar
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Recent Examples of canteen from the Web
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KEEP ORIGINAL PROPER PACKAGING FOR COMMISSARY AND CANTEEN Commissary and canteen:
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Shop slackline kits, Hydro Flask canteens, IceMule coolers, Deuter backpacks, Lucky Pro Scooters, Forsake footwear and so much more.
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Nancy and Amy have flowing tie-dyed seraglio robes with veils and canteens.
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
First Known Use: 1737
CANTEEN Defined for English Language Learners
canteen
playDefinition of canteen for English Language Learners
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: a store in a camp, school, etc., in which food, drinks, and small supplies are sold
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: a place where drinks and entertainment are provided for soldiers at a military base or camp
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: a place where food is served in a factory, school, etc.
CANTEEN Defined for Kids
canteen
playDefinition 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
Learn More about 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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