Diner Meaning and Definition
Diner
Pronunciation
/ˈdaɪnər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A diner is a type of restaurant or food establishment that is characterized by its casual, informal atmosphere and often serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Examples
1. “We went to the diner down the street for breakfast.”
2. “The diner served a variety of comfort foods, including burgers and fries.”
Synonyms
1. Dinerette
2. Café
Antonyms
1. Fine dining restaurant
2. High-end eatery
Etymology
The word “diner” comes from the French term “dîner”, meaning “supper” or “dinner”. The term was first used in the United States in the late 19th century to describe a type of casual, informal restaurant.
Usage Notes
When using the term “diner” in a sentence, it’s often used to describe a casual, informal dining experience. For example: “We decided to grab a bite at the diner after a long day.”
Cultural References
The term “diner” has appeared in various forms of popular culture, including films, television shows, and music. For example, the 1982 film “Diner” starring Steve Guttenberg and Timothy Daly is a coming-of-age comedy that takes place in a 1950s diner.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Grab a bite at the diner
Meet for coffee at the diner
Collocations
Breakfast diner
Lunch diner
Dinner diner
Frequency of Use
The term “diner” is commonly used in informal conversations and written text, particularly in the United States. It’s estimated that the word is used in around 1.2 million written texts per year.
Common Misspellings
Dinor
Danner
Additional Information
Diners are often characterized by their retro aesthetic, with colorful booths, neon signs, and vintage decor. They’re a popular destination for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and are often open 24/7. In addition to serving food, diners also serve as community gather spaces, where friends and family can meet for casual meals and conversations.
Diners have also become a staple of American pop culture, with many iconic diner scenes appearing in films, television shows, and music videos. The diner has become a symbol of American nostalgia, representing a bygone era of simplicity and comfort.