buffet car
/'bufeikɑ:/
Học thuậtThân thiện
The family enjoys a meal in the buffet car as the train travels through the countryside.
Definition
Noun: A buffet car is a specific type of passenger railway carriage (railroad car) where light meals, snacks, and beverages are prepared and served to passengers during the journey. It functions as a mobile café or dining area on a train.
Usage
The term is used to refer to the specific carriage on a train where one can purchase and consume food and drink. It is a compound noun, and its meaning is directly tied to this specific railway service.
Examples
- The train has a buffet car between coaches five and six.
- Let's go to the buffet car for a coffee.
- I bought a sandwich from the buffet car.
Advanced Usage
- The concept is sometimes contrasted with a formal dining car (or restaurant car), which typically offers full table service and cooked meals, whereas a buffet car usually provides counter service for lighter fare.
- On some modern trains, the service may be integrated into a shop or café bar area, but the term buffet car remains in common use.
Variants and Related Words
- Dining car (noun): A railway carriage equipped as a full-service restaurant.
- Restaurant car (noun): Synonym for dining car.
- Snack bar (noun): A counter or small shop selling snacks and drinks; can be used in non-rail contexts (e.g., in a cinema, office).
- Café car (noun): A modern term often used interchangeably with buffet car, emphasizing the sale of coffee and light refreshments.
Synonyms
- Dining car (though this implies a more formal service)
- Restaurant car
- Café car
Antonyms
- Standard passenger car / Coach: A carriage containing only seats for passengers, with no food service.
- Sleeper car: A carriage containing beds or sleeping compartments.
Notes
- Buffet car is a fixed compound noun. The word "buffet" here refers to a counter where food and drinks are served, not to the style of meal service where food is laid out for self-service (a "buffet" meal).
- The term is primarily used in British English. In American English, similar services are often called a café car, snack car, or diner.
The family enjoys a meal in the buffet car as the train travels through the countryside.
Noun
- a passenger car where food is served in transit