buffet

buf-fet · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A meal where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes.

  2. 2.

    A blow or punch, especially with the hand.

  3. 3.

    A counter or sideboard for serving food.

  4. 4.

    To strike repeatedly; to batter.

  5. 5.

    To struggle against difficulties.

  6. 6.

    A piece of furniture with drawers and shelves for storing tableware.

  7. 7.

    A restaurant serving self-service meals.

Forms

plural: buffets

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    buffet lunch/dinner — self-service meal
  • •
    buffet car — railway carriage serving refreshments
  • •
    buffeted by — struck or affected by repeatedly

Related words

See also: meal, restaurant, sideboard
Synonyms: counter, sideboard, smorgasbord

Etymology

The food/furniture sense from French "buffet" (sideboard). The striking sense from Old French "bufet" (a blow), possibly imitative of the sound.