noun
Uncommon
banquet
BANGK-wiht
Banquet (noun) means a large, formal meal held to celebrate a special occasion. Example: “The wedding banquet featured seven courses.”
noun
1
A large, formal meal held to celebrate a special occasion.
"The wedding banquet featured seven courses."
"Guests at the state banquet included several foreign dignitaries."
"The company held an annual banquet to thank its staff for their hard work."
verb
1
To take part in or host a lavish feast.
"The victorious army banqueted long into the night."
"The nobles banqueted on roast meat and wine while musicians played."
"We banqueted at the hotel after the graduation ceremony."
How to use banquet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn elaborate, formal feast, usually for a celebration.
Common pairings
wedding banquet
state banquet
banquet hall
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Word forms
- Plural
- banquets
- Third person singular
- banquets
- Past tense
- banqueted, banquetted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The wedding _____ featured seven courses.
Etymology
From Italian banchetto, literally "a little bench" — describing a light snack eaten sitting on a small bench, which later grew into the grand-feast sense we use today.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for banquet
See all rhymes for banquet →Frequently asked questions
What does “banquet” mean?
The word “banquet” means a large, formal meal held to celebrate a special occasion. In plain terms, an elaborate, formal feast, usually for a celebration.
How do you pronounce “banquet”?
“Banquet” is pronounced BANGK-wiht (/ˈbæŋkwɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “banquet” in a sentence?
Here is “banquet” used in a sentence: “The wedding banquet featured seven courses.”
What part of speech is “banquet”?
Depending on how it is used, “banquet” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “banquet” come from?
The word “banquet” comes from Italian. From Italian banchetto, literally "a little bench" — describing a light snack eaten sitting on a small bench, which later grew into the grand-feast sense we use today.
Is “banquet” a common word?
“Banquet” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “banquet” have?
“Banquet” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large, formal meal held to celebrate a special occasion.
What is the difference between a banquet and a regular dinner party?
A banquet is a large, formal meal held to celebrate a special occasion, typically larger in scale and more ceremonial than a regular dinner party. A dinner party is usually a smaller, more casual gathering without the formal structure or scale associated with a banquet.
Can 'banquet' be used as a verb?
Yes, 'banquet' can be used as a verb meaning to take part in or host a lavish feast, as in 'they banqueted long into the night.' This verb usage is less common today than the noun form describing the event itself.
What is the difference between a banquet and a feast?
A banquet and a feast both describe large, elaborate meals, but 'banquet' typically implies a more formal, organized event tied to a specific occasion, such as an awards banquet. 'Feast' can describe both formal and informal abundant meals, including everyday celebrations.
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