canteen

UK: /kænˈtiːn/ US: /kænˈtin/ ,(kan tēn′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

can•teen /kænˈtin/   n. [countable]

1. a small container used for carrying water or other liquids.
2. Military a store and cafeteria at a military base.
3. a small restaurant where simple foods or snacks are sold, as in a factory or school.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

can•teen  (kan tēn′), n. 

1. a small container used esp. by soldiers and hikers for carrying water or other liquids.
2. Military a general store and cafeteria at a military base.
3. Military a place where free entertainment is provided for military personnel.
4. a place, as in a factory, school, or summer camp, where refreshments and sometimes personal supplies are sold.
5. a recreation center or social club, esp. for teenagers.
6. a place set up to dispense food during an emergency.
7. a snack bar.
8. British Terms a box or chest for cutlery and other table utensils.

• Italian cantina cellar, perh. derivative of canto corner (see cant²) with -ina -ine¹
• French cantine
• 1730–40

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

canteen / kænˈtiːn/ noun

1. a restaurant attached to a factory, school, etc, providing meals for large numbers of people
2. a small shop that provides a limited range of items, such as toilet requisites, to a military unit
3. a recreation centre for military personnel
4. a temporary or mobile stand at which food is provided
5. a box in which a set of cutlery is laid out
6. the cutlery itself
7. a flask or canister for carrying water or other liquids, as used by soldiers or travellers

Etymology: 18th Century: from French cantine, from Italian cantina wine cellar, from canto corner, from Latin canthus iron hoop encircling chariot wheel; see cant²