dutch treat

1 of 2

noun

variants often Dutch treat
: a meal or other entertainment for which each person pays their own way

dutch treat

2 of 2

adverb

variants often Dutch treat
: dutch
go dutch treat

Examples of dutch treat in a Sentence

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.
Adverb
Dining out, unless it is clearly stated as a treat for a birthday or anniversary, is always dutch treat, no matter who suggested it or who made the reservations. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1867, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dutch treat was in 1867

Rhymes for dutch treat

See All Rhymes for dutch treat

Browse Nearby Words

Dutch straight
dutch treat
Dutch uncle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dutch treat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dutch%20treat. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Dutch treat

noun
: a meal or other entertainment for which each person pays his or her own way
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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