pantry

noun

pan·​try ˈpan-trē 

plural pantries

1

: a room or closet used for storage (as of provisions) or from which food is brought to the table

2

: a room (as in a hotel or hospital) for preparation of foods on order

Synonyms of pantry

• cupboard
• closet

Examples of pantry in a Sentence

homemade jams and pickles are stored in a separate pantry off the kitchen

Recent Examples on the Web

Elsewhere on the main deck is a dining area for 10, a galley with an adjoining pantry, and a full-beam owner’s suite with all the requisite luxuries. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2026

Closets, pantries, and mudrooms set the tone for how your home functions day to day, and the designer notes that investing in cabinetry, shelving, and thoughtful storage inserts can transform your routines. —Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 14 Jan. 2026

The bus makes 62 stops daily, stopping at food pantries, health centers, government buildings, legal services, churches and more. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026

Residents can drop off non-perishable foods, diapers and period products for local organizations including the Micah 6 food pantry and Austin Diaper Bank. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English panetrie, from Anglo-French paneterie, from paneter servant in charge of the pantry, from pain bread, from Latin panis — more at food

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pantry

• butler's pantry
• food pantry

Rhymes for pantry

• chantry
• gantry

Kids Definition

pantry

noun

pan·​try ˈpan-trē 

plural pantries

: a small room in which food and dishes are kept

Etymology

Middle English panetrie "pantry," derived from early French panetier "servant in charge of food storage," from pan "bread," from Latin panis "bread, food" — related to companion