Definition

Noun: 1. A complete set of matching dishes, plates, bowls, and serving pieces intended for serving a formal meal: A "dinner service" is a collection of coordinated chinaware and sometimes accompanying serving dishes, designed to be used together for serving dinner. It is also commonly called a "dinner set."

Usage

• A "dinner service" typically includes items like dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, and cups and saucers. Larger sets may include serving platters, gravy boats, and other pieces.
• It is used for formal or special occasion meals.
• The term emphasizes the completeness and matching nature of the set for the specific purpose of serving dinner.

Examples

• Noun:
  • They received a beautiful porcelain dinner service as a wedding gift.
  • The antique dinner service was carefully displayed in the china cabinet.
  • How many place settings are included in this dinner service?

Advanced Usage

• "To have/get one's dinner service out": To use one's best or most formal set of dishes for a special meal.
  • For the holiday feast, she got her best dinner service out.

Variants and Related Words

• Dinner set (n): A common synonym for "dinner service."
• China (n): High-quality ceramic ware, often used to make a dinner service. (e.g., )
• Place setting (n): The arrangement of dishes, cutlery, and glassware for one person, which is a component of a dinner service.
• Tableware (n): A general term for dishes, plates, and utensils used at a table.

Synonyms

• Dinner set
• China set
• Table service (a broader term that can include flatware and glassware)

Related Phrases

• Complete a dinner service: To find and acquire additional pieces that match an existing partial set.
  • She spent years trying to complete her grandmother's dinner service.

Noun

1. a table service for serving dinner