canteen
Canteen (noun) means a small, often flask-shaped container for carrying drinking water, especially used by soldiers or campers. Example: “He filled his canteen at the stream before continuing the hike.”
How to use canteen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA water flask, or a workplace/school cafeteria.
"Canteen" for a workplace cafeteria is more common in British English; Americans usually just say "cafeteria."
Word forms
canteens plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He filled his _____ at the stream before continuing the hike.
Etymology
Borrowed from French cantine, itself from Italian cantina, "cellar" or "wine store."
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for canteen
See all rhymes for canteen →Frequently asked questions
What does “canteen” mean?
The word “canteen” means a small, often flask-shaped container for carrying drinking water, especially used by soldiers or campers. In plain terms, a water flask, or a workplace/school cafeteria.
How do you pronounce “canteen”?
“Canteen” is pronounced kan-TEEN (/kænˈtin/ in IPA).
How do you use “canteen” in a sentence?
Here is “canteen” used in a sentence: “He filled his canteen at the stream before continuing the hike.”
What part of speech is “canteen”?
“Canteen” is a noun.
Where does the word “canteen” come from?
The word “canteen” comes from French. Borrowed from French cantine, itself from Italian cantina, "cellar" or "wine store.".
Is “canteen” a common word?
“Canteen” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “canteen” have?
“Canteen” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, often flask-shaped container for carrying drinking water, especially used by soldiers or campers.