diner

noun

din·​er ˈdī-nər 

1

: a person who dines (as in a restaurant) or who is dining

2

a

: dining car

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

Synonyms of diner

• restaurant

Examples of diner in a Sentence

we'll just grab a quick hamburger at the local diner

Recent Examples on the Web

As Fortune has reported, sit-down chains like the Cheesecake Factory and Chili’s have been winning over diners as fast-food prices climb. — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026

Beyond lighting and sound, diners noted the importance of comfortable surroundings and thoughtful service. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2026

Cereal once dominated American breakfasts, but its popularity has been on the wane as diners have looked elsewhere for more convenience and fewer carbs. — Emily Heil, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026

For a local dessert treat, diners can opt instead for a cup of Gunther’s vanilla or lemon custard ice cream. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing diner

• diner-out

Rhymes for diner

• finer
• liner
• miner
• minor
• schreiner
• seiner
• shiner
• shriner
• signer
• spinor
• viner
• weiner

Kids Definition

diner

noun

din·​er ˈdī-nər 

1

: one that dines

2

a

: dining car

b

: a restaurant in the shape of a railroad car