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

At Mississippi State University, some students rely on Bully’s Pantry while learning to budget and manage their cost of living, said Hali Hollman, who volunteered at the food pantry from 2023 to 2025 before graduating with the class of 2026. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

The estate sale runs now through September 27 and includes select bath and body products, pantry staples, and limited-edition goods—some of which are marked down by as much as 60%. — Mina Dragani, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 2026

What started as a protein hack for fitness influencers is turning into a durable pantry shift, and the ingredient’s next act will look very different from its last. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026

The main level includes an open living and dining area and a chef’s kitchen with high-end appliances, honed granite countertops, a pantry and a laundry area. — Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 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