Definition

1. Noun:

   • A large, elaborate, and formal meal for many people, often to celebrate a special occasion: A "banquet" is a ceremonial dinner party, typically featuring multiple courses and served to a large gathering.
   • A sumptuous feast; a lavish spread of food: It can also refer to any exceptionally rich and enjoyable meal.

2. Verb:

   • To partake in a large, formal meal or feast: To "banquet" means to eat a lavish meal, especially as part of a celebration.
   • To provide or host a large, formal meal for others: To "banquet" also means to entertain guests with a sumptuous feast.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The wedding was followed by a magnificent banquet in the grand hall.
  • The Nobel laureates attended a state banquet at the palace.

• Verb:

  • The nobles banqueted in the castle for three days.
  • The company banqueted its top performers at an expensive restaurant.

Advanced Usage

• "to be a banquet for the senses": used metaphorically to describe an experience that is richly satisfying visually, audibly, etc.

  • The art exhibition was a banquet for the eyes.

• "to banquet on/upon something": to feast lavishly on a particular type of food.

  • The guests banqueted on lobster and champagne.

Variants and Related Words

• Banqueting (n): The act of holding or participating in a banquet.

  • The great hall was used for royal banqueting.

• Banqueter (n): A person who attends a banquet.

  • The banqueters were served by a team of waiters.

Synonyms

• Feast (n/v): A large, special meal; to eat and drink sumptuously.
• Gala dinner (n): A festive, formal dinner, often for a special event.
• Spread (n, informal): A large, impressive selection of food laid out.

Related Phrases

• Banquet hall: A large room specifically designed for holding banquets.
  • The conference center has a banquet hall that seats five hundred.

Idioms

• "A Lucullan banquet": An extraordinarily lavish and luxurious feast (from the Roman general Lucullus, known for his banquets).
  • The meal they prepared was a veritable Lucullan banquet.

Noun

1. a meal that is well prepared and greatly enjoyed
   • a banquet for the graduating seniors
   • the Thanksgiving feast
   • they put out quite a spread
2. a ceremonial dinner party for many people

Verb

1. partake in a feast or banquet
2. provide a feast or banquet for