English Reference
noun

diner

n.
US /ˈdaɪnɝ/ UK /dˈaɪnɐ/ din·er UK spelling diners

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

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

    an individual who is consuming a meal, typically in a commercial dining establishment.

    Simple

    The waiter moved quickly between the tables, taking orders from the hungry diners.

    In context

    The restaurant was filled with late-night diners, most of whom were enjoying the quiet atmosphere after the theatre crowds had dispersed.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate American English

    a small, casual restaurant in North America that often looks like a train car and serves simple food.

    a characteristically American style of casual restaurant, historically designed to resemble a railway carriage and typically featuring a long counter.

    Simple

    We stopped at a roadside diner for a quick breakfast of eggs and coffee.

    In context

    The classic American diner remains a cultural icon, known for its stainless steel exterior, vinyl booths, and twenty-four-hour service.

    eaterycafé
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a carriage on a train where passengers can sit and eat meals.

    a railway carriage equipped for the preparation and service of meals to passengers.

    Simple

    We walked through several carriages to find the diner for some lunch.

    In context

    The luxury train featured a beautifully restored diner where passengers could enjoy three-course meals while watching the landscape pass by.

    dining car

Etymology 1

From dine + -er.

Etymology 2

From Catalan diner. Doublet of denar, denarius, denier, dinar, dinero, and dinheiro.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated