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verb Uncommon

dine

dyn

Dine (verb) means to eat, especially a main meal such as dinner, often somewhat formally. Example: “They dined at a small bistro overlooking the harbor.”

verb
1
To eat, especially a main meal such as dinner, often somewhat formally.
"They dined at a small bistro overlooking the harbor."
"We'll dine at eight if that suits you."

How to Use Dine

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA slightly formal word for eating a meal, especially dinner.

When to use it

More formal than "eat" — often used for restaurant or hosted meals.

Common pairings
dine out dine in style wine and dine

Word Forms

dined past tense, Dines plural, dines singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

They _____ at a small bistro overlooking the harbor.

Etymology

From Old French "disner" ("to eat the day's main meal"), from Vulgar Latin roots meaning "to break one's fast".

Origin: Vulgar Latin

Related Words

Rhymes for dine

See all rhymes for dine →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “dine” mean?

The word “dine” means to eat, especially a main meal such as dinner, often somewhat formally. In plain terms, a slightly formal word for eating a meal, especially dinner.

How do you pronounce “dine”?

“Dine” is pronounced dyn (/daɪn/ in IPA).

How do you use “dine” in a sentence?

Here is “dine” used in a sentence: “They dined at a small bistro overlooking the harbor.”

What is another word for “dine”?

Words with a similar meaning to “dine” include dinner.

What part of speech is “dine”?

“Dine” is a verb.

Where does the word “dine” come from?

The word “dine” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French "disner" ("to eat the day's main meal"), from Vulgar Latin roots meaning "to break one's fast".

Is “dine” a common word?

“Dine” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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