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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

catering

KAY-tuh-rihng

Catering (noun) means the business or act of providing food and drink, especially for events. Example: “She runs a small catering business specialising in weddings.”

noun
1
The business or act of providing food and drink, especially for events.
"She runs a small catering business specialising in weddings."
"The venue includes catering as part of the package."

How to use catering

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe trade or act of supplying food for functions and events.

Common pairings
wedding catering catering service in-house catering

Word forms

caterings plural

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Can you complete this real example?

She runs a small _____ business specialising in weddings.

food service

Rhymes for catering

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Frequently asked questions

What does “catering” mean?

The word “catering” means the business or act of providing food and drink, especially for events. In plain terms, the trade or act of supplying food for functions and events.

How do you pronounce “catering”?

“Catering” is pronounced KAY-tuh-rihng (/ˈkeɪ.tɚ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “catering” in a sentence?

Here is “catering” used in a sentence: “She runs a small catering business specialising in weddings.”

What part of speech is “catering”?

“Catering” is a noun.

Is “catering” a common word?

“Catering” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

What is the difference between catering and cooking?

Catering refers to the business or act of providing food and drink, especially for events, and typically includes planning, preparation, and service as a professional operation, while cooking simply refers to preparing food without necessarily involving business or event organization. Catering is a service-oriented activity, whereas cooking is the underlying culinary task.

Is catering only for large events like weddings?

Catering is most associated with events such as weddings, parties, and corporate functions, but the term applies broadly to any situation where food and drink are professionally provided, regardless of event size.

What jobs fall under the catering industry?

The catering industry includes roles such as caterers, chefs, event coordinators, and serving staff, all involved in the business of providing food and drink for events.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial