noun
canteen
kan-TEEN
noun
1
A small, often flask-shaped container for carrying drinking water, especially used by soldiers or campers.
"He filled his canteen at the stream before continuing the hike."
2
A cafeteria or snack bar, especially at a school, workplace, or military base.
"Workers grabbed lunch at the factory canteen."
"The school canteen served pizza on Fridays."
How to Use Canteen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA water flask, or a workplace/school cafeteria.
UK vs US
"Canteen" for a workplace cafeteria is more common in British English; Americans usually just say "cafeteria."
Word Forms
canteens plural
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He filled his _____ at the stream before continuing the hike.
Etymology
Borrowed from French cantine, itself from Italian cantina, "cellar" or "wine store."