catering

ca-ter-ing · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The business of providing food and drink at events or institutions.

  2. 2.

    Present participle of cater.

  3. 3.

    The provision of food and drink for an event.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    catering service — a company that provides food for events
  • •
    self-catering — providing one's own food (especially in accommodations)
  • •
    catering to — providing what someone wants or needs

Related words

See also: cater, food, hospitality, restaurant
Synonyms: food service, hospitality

Etymology

From obsolete English cater ("buyer of provisions"), from Middle English catour, from Old French acateur, from acater ("to buy"). The -ing form developed as both a gerund and verbal noun.