verb
Uncommon
dine
dyn
Dine (verb) means to eat, especially a main meal such as dinner, often somewhat formally. Example: “They dined at a small bistro overlooking the harbor.”
verb
1
To eat, especially a main meal such as dinner, often somewhat formally.
"They dined at a small bistro overlooking the harbor."
"We'll dine at eight if that suits you."
How to use dine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA slightly formal word for eating a meal, especially dinner.
When to use it
More formal than "eat" — often used for restaurant or hosted meals.
Common pairings
dine out
dine in style
wine and dine
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- dines
- Past tense
- dined
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They _____ at a small bistro overlooking the harbor.
Etymology
From Old French "disner" ("to eat the day's main meal"), from Vulgar Latin roots meaning "to break one's fast".
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for dine
See all rhymes for dine →Frequently asked questions
What does “dine” mean?
The word “dine” means to eat, especially a main meal such as dinner, often somewhat formally. In plain terms, a slightly formal word for eating a meal, especially dinner.
How do you pronounce “dine”?
“Dine” is pronounced dyn (/daɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “dine” in a sentence?
Here is “dine” used in a sentence: “They dined at a small bistro overlooking the harbor.”
What is another word for “dine”?
Words with a similar meaning to “dine” include dinner.
What part of speech is “dine”?
“Dine” is a verb.
Where does the word “dine” come from?
The word “dine” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French "disner" ("to eat the day's main meal"), from Vulgar Latin roots meaning "to break one's fast".
Is “dine” a common word?
“Dine” is an uncommon word in modern English.
