banquet
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a large, formal dinner for many people, often held to celebrate something or someone.
n.a ceremonial dinner party for a large group of people, often featuring speeches and formal dress.
Simple“The city held a grand banquet to honour the returning Olympic athletes.”
In context“The annual charity banquet was held in the hotel's main ballroom, where hundreds of donors gathered to hear the keynote address.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
v.to eat a very large and fancy meal.
v.to participate in a banquet or to feast sumptuously.
Simple“The guests banqueted on fine wine and roasted meats until late at night.”
In context“In the ancient hall, the victorious knights banqueted for three days, celebrating their hard-won peace with endless music and food.”
Usageoften used intransitively to describe the act of eating grandly
- 03 C2 Proficiency
n.a course of sweet food or fruit served at the end of a meal.
n.a course of sweetmeats or fruit served as dessert.
Simple“After the main dishes were cleared, the servants brought out a banquet of dried fruits.”
In context“The historical records describe a lavish banquet of sugared almonds and preserved ginger served in the garden gallery after the primary feast.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is found in historical texts and Shakespearean literature; modern speakers only use 'banquet' for the entire meal.
Synonymsdessertconfection