Definition

1. Noun:
   • A request for food that can be prepared and served very quickly: This term refers to food items, typically from a diner or café menu, that are designed to be cooked rapidly after the customer places the order.

Usage

• The term "short order" is most commonly used in the context of restaurants, especially diners, cafes, or lunch counters. It describes a style of cooking where meals are prepared quickly to individual order.
• It is frequently used in the phrase "short-order cook," which is a cook who specializes in preparing such food.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The diner is famous for its short orders like eggs and pancakes.
  • I'm in a hurry, so I'll just get a short order from the grill.
  • He works as a short-order cook at the local café.

Advanced Usage

• "in short order": This is a common idiomatic phrase meaning "quickly," "without delay," or "promptly." It is often used in general contexts beyond food.
  • The manager handled the complaint in short order.
  • The team completed the task in short order.

Variants and Related Words

• Short-order (adjective): Used to describe things related to this type of quick food service.
  • He has years of experience in the short-order business.
• Short-order cook (noun phrase): A cook who prepares short orders.

Synonyms

• Quick meal
• Fast food (Note: This often implies a specific type of franchise restaurant, while "short order" implies freshly cooked food at a diner.)

Related Idioms

• In short order: As described above, meaning very quickly.
  • She finished her homework in short order and went out to play.

Noun

1. an order for food that can be prepared quickly