refectory

noun re·fec·to·ry \ ri-ˈfek-t(ə-)rē \

Updated on: 5 Apr 2018

Definition of refectory

plural refectories

: a dining hall (as in a monastery or college)

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Recent Examples of refectory from the Web

The antique refectory of Tupay has exquisitely prepared and presented dinners featuring international dishes; a buffet breakfast with a view of the main patio is served at Illariy.

— alice newell-hanson, Condé Nast Traveler, "19 Hotels That Used to Be Churches, Temples, and More," 29 Mar. 2018
The restaurant has the feel of a refectory, but the dinners are great.

— geoff dyer, GQ, "This Hotel Is the Best Place to Stay If You Still Haven't Been to Iceland," 5 Feb. 2018
Architectural alterations in the kitchen yielded a combination of high-performance workspace and unembellished refectory.

— sarah medford, WSJ, "A Farmhouse Reborn With Anti-Quaint Décor," 6 July 2017
The complex features four churches, a dining hall, a gavit and a refectory and is the starting point for several hiking trails.

— jennifer billock, Smithsonian, "Explore Armenia’s Medieval Monasteries in Interactive 360-Degree Panoramas," 7 June 2017
The complex features four churches, a dining hall, a gavit and a refectory and is the starting point for several hiking trails.

— jennifer billock, Smithsonian, "Explore Armenia’s Medieval Monasteries in Interactive 360-Degree Panoramas," 7 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'refectory.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of refectory

Middle English, from Anglo-French refectorie, from Late Latin refectorium, from Latin reficere

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First Known Use: 15th century

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REFECTORY Defined for English Language Learners

refectory

noun

Definition of refectory for English Language Learners

: a large room where meals are served at a place (such as a seminary or monastery) where many people live

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