diner
word
Definition
A diner is usually a small, casual restaurant, especially an American-style one that serves simple meals like breakfast, sandwiches, and coffee. It can also mean a person who is eating a meal, but that meaning is less common in everyday use.
Usage & Nuances
Most often, diner means the restaurant, especially in American English. Typical collocations are "go to a diner," "roadside diner," and "all-night diner." The meaning "person eating" appears more in formal writing, menus, reviews, or phrases like "diners complained." Don't confuse it with "dinner," which is the meal.
Example Sentences
We ate breakfast at a small diner near the station.
basic
The diner is open all night.
basic
There's a great diner off the highway if you want pie and coffee.
natural
The diners at the next table were laughing so loudly that we couldn't hear each other.
natural
Let's skip the chain restaurants and find a local diner instead.
natural
The hotel welcomes business diners and tourists.
basic