noun
Uncommon
caf
kaf
Caf (noun) means a café; an informal spot for coffee and a light meal. Example: “They grabbed a quick lunch at the caf on the corner.”
noun
1
A café; an informal spot for coffee and a light meal.
"They grabbed a quick lunch at the caf on the corner."
"The caf near campus stays open until midnight during exams."
2
A cafeteria, especially at a school, hospital, or workplace.
"Students lined up in the caf for pizza day."
"He ate alone in the hospital caf between shifts."
3
Informal shorthand for a caffeinated (as opposed to decaf) coffee.
""Caf or decaf?" the barista asked."
"She switched from caf to decaf after 3pm."
How to use caf
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCasual short word for a café or cafeteria, or for regular (non-decaf) coffee.
When to use it
Informal — fine in conversation or a text, but write out "café" or "cafeteria" in formal writing.
Common pairings
grab a caf
the school caf
caf or decaf
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Word forms
- Plural
- cafs
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They grabbed a quick lunch at the _____ on the corner.
Etymology
A clipped, casual short form of "café" or "cafeteria" — the kind of shortening that happens naturally in everyday speech.
Synonyms
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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.
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