Cater
/ˈkeɪtər/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo provide food and drink, typically at a social event.
/ˈkeɪtər/
To provide food and drink
They catered the wedding reception.
💡 Simply: To serve food and drinks, especially at a party or event.
👶 For kids: To make and serve yummy food for a party!
More Examples
The hotel caters to business travelers.
How It's Used
"The company caters events for large corporations."
"The restaurant caters to a variety of dietary needs."
To satisfy the needs or wants of a particular group or person.
/ˈkeɪtər/
To satisfy the needs of
The magazine caters to a young adult audience.
💡 Simply: To fulfill someone's needs or wishes.
👶 For kids: To do what someone wants.
More Examples
The store caters to a niche market.
How It's Used
"The company caters to the demands of its customers."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Middle English cateren, from Old French caterer, from Old North French cat(t)er ‘to provide food’, of unknown origin.
Historically, 'cater' primarily referred to providing food, but its meaning expanded to include satisfying needs more generally.
Memory tip
Think 'catering' as in 'catering service' – it's all about providing food.
Word Origin
"to provide food"