noun
refectory
rih-FEK-tuh-ree
Refectory (noun) means a dining hall, especially one in an institution such as a college or monastery. Example: “The students queued in the refectory for lunch.”
noun
1
A dining hall, especially one in an institution such as a college or monastery.
"The students queued in the refectory for lunch."
"The monks ate in silence in the refectory."
"The college refectory is open from noon until two."
How to use refectory
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA big room where people in an institution eat their meals.
When to use it
It is a slightly formal word, used mostly for colleges and religious houses.
Memory tip
In everyday speech people often say canteen or dining hall instead.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
college refectory
monastery refectory
school refectory
refectory table
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The students queued in the _____ for lunch.
Etymology
Came into English through Middle English refectori from Late Latin refectorium. That in turn comes from Latin reficere, meaning to remake or rebuild.
Synonyms
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dining hall
Related words
Rhymes for refectory
See all rhymes for refectory →Frequently asked questions
What is a refectory?
A refectory is a dining hall, especially in an institution such as a college or monastery.
How do you pronounce refectory?
It is pronounced rih-FEK-tuh-ree, with the stress on the second syllable.
What is the plural of refectory?
The plural is refectories.
What is the meaning of refectory?
"refectory" (noun) means a dining hall, especially one in an institution such as a college or monastery.
