Definition

1. Noun:
   • A light morning meal typically consisting of a bread roll or pastry, coffee or tea, and sometimes juice: A "continental breakfast" is a simple breakfast style originating from continental Europe, contrasting with heavier cooked breakfasts. It is commonly offered in hotels and cafes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The hotel provides a complimentary continental breakfast with coffee and croissants.
  • I prefer a continental breakfast because I don't like to eat a large meal in the morning.

Advanced Usage

• "to serve a continental breakfast": to provide this specific type of morning meal.
  • The bed and breakfast serves a continental breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m.
• "continental breakfast included": a phrase indicating this meal is part of the offered service, often seen in hotel advertisements.
  • The room rate is higher, but a continental breakfast is included.

Variants and Related Words

• Breakfast (n): the first meal of the day. A "continental breakfast" is a specific type of breakfast.
• Buffet breakfast (n): a breakfast where food is laid out on a table for guests to serve themselves, which may include a continental selection.
• Full English breakfast (n): a contrasting term for a hearty cooked breakfast including items like eggs, bacon, and sausages.

Synonyms

• Light breakfast: a morning meal that is not heavy or cooked.
• Café breakfast: a breakfast typical of a café, often similar to a continental one.

Related Phrases

• Breakfast bar: a counter or area where a continental breakfast might be set out.
  • Guests can help themselves at the breakfast bar.
• Breakfast nook: a small seating area for eating breakfast.
  • They enjoyed their continental breakfast in the sunny breakfast nook.

Notes

• The term "continental" in "continental breakfast" specifically refers to the continent of Europe, particularly France and other Western European countries where this lighter style is traditional. It is distinguished from the "English breakfast" or "American breakfast," which often include hot, cooked items.

Noun

1. a breakfast that usually includes a roll and coffee or tea