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

There’s no cost to attend, but a donation for the local food pantry network is encouraged. — Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 2026

The kitchen features an island, a wine refrigerator, stainless steel appliances and a butler’s pantry. — Kim Quillen, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

According to the anti-hunger charitable organization Feeding America, for every one meal provided by food pantries nationwide, nine are covered by SNAP benefits. — Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2026

Producers pledged to abide by permit regulations, including keeping a local food pantry open and accessible, reining in private security activity, and continuing signage and notifications to impacted neighbors. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 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