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

Dining options will encompass numerous restaurants and bars, including the brand’s signature Peacock Alley, a lobby lounge tradition that has anchored Waldorf Astoria properties since the original New York hotel. —Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

Long-running German restaurant Black Forest Inn closed Saturday but opened Sunday and Monday as a community space, offering free coffee and soup as well as an escape from the cold weather. —Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 27 Jan. 2026

Linafelter says what initially appeared to be a positive transition with more investment for the building itself has now put the restaurant's future at risk. —Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026

Soda drinkers have been experimenting with mash-ups for decades — ever since fast-food restaurants moved soda machines out from behind the counter and gave customers free rein to mix their own drinks, Tofel said. —Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 27 Jan. 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
• savant
• storefront
• daunt

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"