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canteen

noun can·teen \ kan-ˈtēn \
|Updated on: 20 Aug 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

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

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

Learn More about canteen

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

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