diner

din-er · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person who is eating a meal, especially in a restaurant.

  2. 2.

    A small, informal restaurant, typically serving American food and often built to resemble a railroad dining car.

  3. 3.

    A railroad dining car.

Forms

plural: diners

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    classic diner — A traditional American-style restaurant
  • •
    all-night diner — A restaurant that stays open 24 hours

Related words

See also: cafe, dine, restaurant
Synonyms: cafe, eatery, restaurant

Etymology

From dine + -er. The restaurant sense developed in the United States in the early 20th century.