canteen

noun

can·​teen kan-ˈtēn 

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

Examples of canteen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Against a backdrop of corporatized Pride Month mega-events that pelt you with free rainbow canteens and bad music, this was much more authentic and communal. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 25 June 2025

On his way back to the canteen for one of those soft pretzels, Phil saw that the Jasper Gunn Mummy was also being exhibited, accompanied by a display of antique cowboy toys. —Hazlitt, 18 June 2025

Inside, photos show the canteen with food still on the table after residents abandoned it and fled during the crash. —Hannah Parry barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025

At his new prison, inmates can buy their own razors and nail clippers from the canteen. —Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

French cantine bottle case, sutler's shop, from Italian cantina wine cellar, probably from canto corner, from Latin canthus iron tire — more at cant entry 4

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for canteen

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• amine
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between

Kids Definition

canteen

noun

can·​teen kan-ˈtēn 

1

: a store (as in a camp) 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 liquids (as on a hike)