buffet — a meal consisting of several dishes from which guests serve themselves
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a meal consisting of several dishes from which guests serve themselves
Pronunciation (IPA): /bəˈfeɪ/
Example Sentences
- My cousin ate 12 plates at the buffet and still asked if dessert was included.
- The ship was buffeted by massive waves during the storm.
- At the buffet, I strategically positioned myself near the chocolate fountain.
buffet
NOUN[/bəˈfeɪ/]
a meal consisting of several dishes from which guests serve themselves
Guests pile their plates high at the wedding buffet table.
Instead of ordering one fixed meal, the family walked along the buffet and chose different dishes for each person. (BUFFET → many choices laid out together)
The small boat was buffeted by winds as huge waves crashed against its sides.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word originates from Old French 'bufet' in the 12th century, initially meaning 'to strike' or 'to hit'. By the 18th century, the meaning evolved to denote a piece of furniture (sideboard or cupboard), and by the 20th century it acquired the modern sense of a self-service restaurant or meal service.
Breakdown
Old French 'bufet' (sideboard, cupboard) → Modern French 'buffet', with the semantic shift from the action of striking (possibly related to the forceful placement of items) to the furniture piece, and eventually to the dining service concept.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cousin ate 12 plates at the buffet and still asked if dessert was included.”
“The ship was buffeted by massive waves during the storm.”
“At the buffet, I strategically positioned myself near the chocolate fountain.”
“The airline offers a simple buffet service on long-haul flights.”
📚Related Words
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