1
: a person who dines (as in a restaurant) or who is dining
2
a
b
chiefly US
: a typically small, informal, and inexpensive restaurant that has an extensive menu and that is often made from or designed to resemble a modified railroad dining car
had lunch at a roadside diner
Examples of diner in a Sentence
we'll just grab a quick hamburger at the local diner
Recent Examples on the Web
From small-town diners in rural America to the lead stories on the nightly news, any gas price fluctuations tend to stir the pot.
—
Linnea Geiss, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
In this scenario, one person is willing to front the full tab and get paid back by fellow diners.
—Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2025
Of course, real life requires more amenities than what appears in Amy Sherman-Palladino’s hit series—although a local diner is certainly appreciated—and there are many factors that ensure a small town is a great place to live.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2025
Ikoyi has since moved to London’s The Strand, where diners can enjoy its signature dish —smoked jollof rice — from a menu inspired by sub-Saharan West Africa.
—Karla Cripps, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for diner
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.
Linnea Geiss, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
In this scenario, one person is willing to front the full tab and get paid back by fellow diners.
—Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2025
Of course, real life requires more amenities than what appears in Amy Sherman-Palladino’s hit series—although a local diner is certainly appreciated—and there are many factors that ensure a small town is a great place to live.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2025
Ikoyi has since moved to London’s The Strand, where diners can enjoy its signature dish —smoked jollof rice — from a menu inspired by sub-Saharan West Africa.
—Karla Cripps, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for diner
Cite this Entry
“Diner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diner. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
diner
noun
din·er
ˈdī-nər 
1
: one that dines
2
a
b
: a restaurant in the shape of a railroad car
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share