caf
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for caf, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A café; an informal spot for coffee and a light meal.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use caf
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Informal — fine in conversation or a text, but write out "café" or "cafeteria" in formal writing.
Etymology
A clipped, casual short form of "café" or "cafeteria" — the kind of shortening that happens naturally in everyday speech.
Full origin of caf →Frequently asked questions
What does “caf” mean?
The word “caf” means a café; an informal spot for coffee and a light meal. In plain terms, casual short word for a café or cafeteria, or for regular (non-decaf) coffee.
How do you pronounce “caf”?
“Caf” is pronounced kaf (/kæf/ in IPA).
How do you use “caf” in a sentence?
Here is “caf” used in a sentence: “They grabbed a quick lunch at the caf on the corner.”
What part of speech is “caf”?
“Caf” is a noun.
Is “caf” a common word?
“Caf” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “caf” have?
“Caf” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a café; an informal spot for coffee and a light meal.
What is the difference between a "caf" and a "cafeteria"?
"Caf" can be short for either a café, an informal spot for coffee and a light meal, or a cafeteria, a larger self-service dining hall found at schools, hospitals, or workplaces. Context usually makes clear which one is meant, since both are shortened the same way.
Is "caf" a formal word?
No, "caf" is informal shorthand and would not be used in formal writing; the full words "café" or "cafeteria" are preferred in formal contexts. "Caf" fits casual speech, texting, or student and workplace slang.
What does "caf" mean when talking about coffee?
"Caf" can also be informal shorthand for a caffeinated coffee, as opposed to "decaf," used when ordering or describing a drink, as in "I'll have the caf, not the decaf." This sense is distinct from "caf" meaning a café or cafeteria, and context makes clear which is meant.