restaurant

noun

res·​tau·​rant ˈre-stə-ˌränt How to pronounce restaurant (audio)
-stränt
also -st(ə-)rənt, 
-stərnt
Synonyms of restaurantnext
: a business establishment where meals or refreshments may be purchased

Synonyms of restaurant

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Examples of restaurant in a Sentence

when we get sick of cooking dinner at home, we like to go out to eat at a nice restaurant
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.
In summer 2022, the Today host told her audience how the then five-year-old used her allowance to buy an ice cream cone for a local restaurant manager. — Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026 Tran’s killing followed two other fatal shootings of Vietnamese-American men with ties to local restaurants, according to San Jose Police and CNN affiliate KGO-TV. — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026 Participating restaurants will celebrate National Whataburger Day with selfie stations, balloons and other festive touches to help customers join the fun, according to the chain. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026 Airport restaurants contend with higher rents, limited storage space, stricter security requirements for deliveries and higher labor costs, all of which contribute to higher menu prices, Leff and Gruel said. — Kelly McGreal , Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restaurant

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "restorative food or drink, public establishment where food and drink may be purchased," noun derivative from present participle of restaurer "to repair, refresh, renew," going back to Old French restorer, restaurer — more at restore

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of restaurant was in 1806

Phrases Containing restaurant

Rhymes for restaurant

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Browse Nearby Words

restaur
restaurant
restaurant car
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

restaurant

noun
res·​tau·​rant ˈres-t(ə-)rənt How to pronounce restaurant (audio)
-tə-ˌränt
: a business place where meals or refreshments may be bought
Etymology

from French restaurant "food that restores, restaurant," from restaurer "to restore, renew"

More from Merriam-Webster on restaurant

Nglish: Translation of restaurant for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about restaurant

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