diner

noun

din·​er ˈdī-nər How to pronounce diner (audio)
1
: a person who dines (as in a restaurant) or who is dining
2
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
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.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diner was in 1815

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Cite this Entry

“Diner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diner. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

diner

noun
din·​er ˈdī-nər How to pronounce diner (audio)
1
: one that dines
2
b
: a restaurant in the shape of a railroad car

More from Merriam-Webster on diner

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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