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
Our thriving food capital draws diners out with sunlit farmers markets, midnight taco stands, multigenerational kebab shops and serene sushi dens.
—
Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
The original restaurant had become a favorite among Sacramento diners for its meatless comfort food, and even earned Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition in 2019.
—Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 23 June 2026
In 15,000 square feet over two stories, the emporium will introduce diners to culinary highlights from throughout Asia, much like how its mall neighbor, Eataly, has steeped diners in the regional specialties of Italy.
—Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
The debut of chef-founder Tom Waters, diners are treated to an intimate, multi-course experience from the open kitchen, with a rotating, seasonal menu that celebrates Wales’ abundant larder.
—Carinne Geil Botta, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for diner
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Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
The original restaurant had become a favorite among Sacramento diners for its meatless comfort food, and even earned Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition in 2019.
—Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 23 June 2026
In 15,000 square feet over two stories, the emporium will introduce diners to culinary highlights from throughout Asia, much like how its mall neighbor, Eataly, has steeped diners in the regional specialties of Italy.
—Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
The debut of chef-founder Tom Waters, diners are treated to an intimate, multi-course experience from the open kitchen, with a rotating, seasonal menu that celebrates Wales’ abundant larder.
—Carinne Geil Botta, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for diner
Cite this Entry
“Diner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diner. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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
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