dinner-set
Definition
- Noun:
- A set of matching tableware: "dinner-set" refers to a collection of matching dishes, plates, bowls, and other items used for serving and eating a formal meal, typically for a specific number of people.
Usage Examples
- (A matching set of tableware for formal dining.)
- (A complete set of dishes for twelve people.)
Advanced Usage
"to break out the dinner-set": to use the formal tableware for a special occasion.
- For Thanksgiving, we break out the fine china dinner-set. (We use the formal dishes for the holiday meal.)
"a dinner-set in storage": a set of dishes kept aside for special occasions rather than daily use.
- Her grandmother's dinner-set has been in storage for decades. (The formal dishes are preserved for future use.)
Variants and Related Words
Dinner-service (n): a synonym for "dinner-set", referring to a matching set of tableware.
- The hotel uses a silver dinner-service for banquets. (A matching set of serving dishes.)
Dinnerware (n): dishes and utensils used for dining, often sold as a set.
- She bought new dinnerware for the dinner party. (General term for plates, bowls, and cups.)
Synonyms
- Tableware set: a collection of dishes and utensils for eating.
- Place setting: the items arranged for one person at a table (though this refers to a single unit, not the full set).
Related Idioms
- "Put out the good dinner-set": to use the finest dishes for a special event.
- When the president visited, we put out the good dinner-set. (We used the best tableware.)