restaurant

noun

res·​tau·​rant ˈre-stə-ˌränt 

-stränt

also -st(ə-)rənt, 

-stərnt

: a business establishment where meals or refreshments may be purchased

Synonyms of restaurant

• diner
• grill
• cafeteria

Examples of restaurant in a Sentence

when we get sick of cooking dinner at home, we like to go out to eat at a nice restaurant

Recent Examples on the Web

Food and drink There’s no restaurant or bar here, but each morning brings a simple breakfast spread of fresh pastries from Archibald’s Village Bakery and coffee from Wells Coffee Company, two beloved local independents. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026

Throughout the episode, Luke texts Joy words of encouragement and romantically announces that a plate of vegetables at a restaurant reminded him of her. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2026

Now a charming village, with its traditional church with prominent spire overlooking the town and the old clock tower converted into a wonderful mussel and fish restaurant. — Natasha Langan, TheWeek, 29 Sep. 2026

Que Onda Tacos & Tequila, a Mexican cantina concept from Que Hospitality, is also growing with plans for a $2 million flagship restaurant in Montford Park. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "restorative food or drink, public establishment where food and drink may be purchased," noun derivative from present participle of restaurer "to repair, refresh, renew," going back to Old French restorer, restaurer — more at restore

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing restaurant

• Chinese restaurant syndrome
• restaurant car

Rhymes for restaurant

• commandant
• confidant
• conodont
• debutante
• nonchalant
• avant
• croissant
• detente
• entente
• passant
• savant
• storefront

Kids Definition

restaurant

noun

res·​tau·​rant ˈres-t(ə-)rənt 

-tə-ˌränt

: a business place where meals or refreshments may be bought

Etymology

from French restaurant "food that restores, restaurant," from restaurer "to restore, renew"