pantry

noun

pan·​try ˈpan-trē How to pronounce pantry (audio)
plural pantries
Synonyms of pantrynext
1
: a room or closet used for storage (as of provisions) or from which food is brought to the table
2
: a room (as in a hotel or hospital) for preparation of foods on order

Synonyms of pantry

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Examples of pantry in a Sentence

homemade jams and pickles are stored in a separate pantry off the kitchen
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Automobiles line up to receive food during the weekly drive-up food pantry at First Presbyterian Church in Marietta on Tuesday. — Thomas Lake, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Leftover produce from each Saturday’s market day is donated to local food pantries. — Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2026 The governor earlier this year also sent nearly $25 million from state surplus to food banks and pantries. — Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026 These simple mocktail drink recipes come together with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. — Ryan Brennan august 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pantry

Word History

Etymology

Middle English panetrie, from Anglo-French paneterie, from paneter servant in charge of the pantry, from pain bread, from Latin panis — more at food

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pantry was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing pantry

Rhymes for pantry

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Browse Nearby Words

pantropical
pantry
pantryman
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Cite this Entry

“Pantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pantry. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pantry

noun
pan·​try ˈpan-trē How to pronounce pantry (audio)
plural pantries
: a small room in which food and dishes are kept
Etymology

Middle English panetrie "pantry," derived from early French panetier "servant in charge of food storage," from pan "bread," from Latin panis "bread, food" — related to companion

More from Merriam-Webster on pantry

Nglish: Translation of pantry for Spanish Speakers

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