canteen Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a flask for carrying water; used by soldiers or travelers
  2. noun sells food and personal items to personnel at an institution or school or camp etc.
  3. noun a restaurant outside; often for soldiers or policemen
    mobile canteen.
  4. noun a recreation room in an institution
  5. noun restaurant in a factory; where workers can eat

WordNet

Can*teen" noun
Etymology
F. cantine bottle case, canteen (cf. Sp. & It. cantina cellar, bottle case), either contr. fr. It. canovettina, dim. of canova cellar, or, more likely, fr. OF. cant. corner, It. & Sp. canto. See 1st Cant.
Definitions
(Mil.)
  1. A vessel used by soldiers for carrying water, liquor, or other drink. Written also cantine.. ✍ In the English service the canteen is made of wood and holds three pints; in the United States it is usually a tin flask.
  2. The sulter's shop in a garrison; also, a chest containing culinary and other vessels for officers.

Webster 1913