cater

verb

ca·​ter ˈkā-tər How to pronounce cater (audio)
catered; catering; caters
Synonyms of cater

intransitive verb

1
: to provide a supply of food
cater for a large party
2
: to supply what is required or desired
catering to middle-class tastes

transitive verb

: to provide food and service for
catered the banquet
caterer
ˈkā-tər-ər How to pronounce cater (audio)
noun

Synonyms of cater

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Examples of cater in a Sentence

The restaurant caters for parties. A local restaurant catered the banquet. The awards ceremony will be a catered event.
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.
Madison Social caters a variety of gatherings including weddings, baby showers, receptions, brunches and corporate events — with the emphasis on building community. — Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026 Per Vanity Fair, the second event was catered by chef Tony Lo Coco. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026 Teenagers are catered for with a special Den fitted out with pool tables, table football and a jukebox, plus a mocktail bar. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026 The event, catered by Little Gem Oak Park, features a four-course dining experience and shared stories. — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cater

Word History

Etymology

obsolete cater buyer of provisions, from Middle English catour, short for acatour, from Anglo-French, from acater to buy — more at cate

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cater was in 1580

Phrases Containing cater

Rhymes for cater

See All Rhymes for cater

Browse Nearby Words

catenative
cater
cateran
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cater. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cater

verb
ca·​ter ˈkāt-ər How to pronounce cater (audio)
1
: to provide a supply of food
cater for parties
2
: to supply what is wanted or needed
caterer
-ər-ər How to pronounce cater (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on cater

Nglish: Translation of cater for Spanish Speakers

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