Definition (Entry 1 of 2)

a restaurant in which the customers serve themselves or are served at a counter and take the food to tables to eat
lunchroom sense 2

adjective

Definition (Entry 2 of 2)

providing a selection from which a choice may be made //cafeteria benefit plan //a cafeteria curriculum

First Known Use

Noun

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1908, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology

Noun

American Spanish cafetería coffeehouse, from cafetera coffee maker, from French cafetière, from café

cafeteria

noun

cafeteria

noun

caf·e·te·ria

ˌka-fə-ˈtir-ē-ə

a restaurant in which the customers serve themselves or are served at a counter and take the food to tables to eat
lunchroom sense 2

adjective

providing a selection from which a choice may be made //cafeteria benefit plan //a cafeteria curriculum

First Known Use

Noun

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1908, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology

Noun

American Spanish cafetería coffeehouse, from cafetera coffee maker, from French cafetière, from café

cafeteria

noun