eatery

UK: ˈiːtəri | US: ˈiːtəri

Definition

  1. n. a casual restaurant or dining establishment, often with a simple or informal atmosphere.

Structure
eat <consume food>ery <place or establishment>
Etymology

eatery = eat<consume food> + ery<place or establishment>

  • eat: From Old English etan, meaning "to consume food."
  • ery: A suffix derived from Old French -erie, used to form nouns indicating a place or activity (e.g., bakery, winery).

Etymology Origin:
The word eatery emerged in the early 20th century as a colloquial term blending eat with the suffix -ery, which denotes a place associated with a specific function. This playful formation mirrors similar words like bakery or brewery, emphasizing the informal, accessible nature of such establishments. Its usage reflects the trend of creating casual, easily recognizable terms for everyday spaces.

Examples

  1. We stopped at a cozy little eatery for lunch.

  2. The downtown area has several trendy eateries.

  3. This eatery is known for its homemade pies.

  4. They opened a new eatery specializing in vegan dishes.

  5. The small seaside eatery serves fresh seafood daily.