Word
banquet
Phoneticsban·quet, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbæŋkwət/
UK/bˈæŋkwɪt/
Definitions
01formal celebratory meal
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Formal
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.
“The city held a grand banquet to honour the returning Olympic athletes.”
“The annual charity banquet was held in the hotel's main ballroom, where hundreds of donors gathered to hear the keynote address.”
02to feast
C1 · Advanced Literary
v. to eat a very large and fancy meal.
v. to participate in a banquet or to feast sumptuously.
“The guests banqueted on fine wine and roasted meats until late at night.”
“In the ancient hall, the victorious knights banqueted for three days, celebrating their hard-won peace with endless music and food.”
Usage
often used intransitively to describe the act of eating grandly
03dessert course
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Cooking Archaic
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.
“After the main dishes were cleared, the servants brought out a banquet of dried fruits.”
“The historical records describe a lavish banquet of sugared almonds and preserved ginger served in the garden gallery after the primary feast.”
Teaching tip
This sense is found in historical texts and Shakespearean literature; modern speakers only use 'banquet' for the entire meal.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“As the banquet roared on, the uncles insisted that our end of the table drink to everyone and everything.” “The Vanderbilt family crest was everywhere, from a Renaissance-style table to a chimneypiece in the four-storey-high banquet hall.” “In September he was on President Trump's guestlist for the state banquet at Windsor Castle.” “At Wednesday night's formal state banquet, Melania went bold.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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