banquet
B2Formal
Definition
Meaning
A large, formal public meal for many people, often held to celebrate a special occasion.
Any sumptuous or lavish meal, especially one with a ceremonial or celebratory character. Can also refer to a substantial feast in a non-literal, poetic sense (e.g., a banquet of colors).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word inherently suggests lavishness, celebration, and a large number of guests. It is more specific and formal than 'dinner' or 'meal.' The verb form is much less common and often perceived as slightly archaic or excessively formal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. The verb form is rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally formal and celebratory in both dialects.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; perhaps slightly more common in British English for naming formal events (e.g., 'a charity banquet').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Verb] to banquet (on sth)[Noun] a banquet (in honour of sb)[Verb] to hold/host a banquetVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Belshazzar's feast/banquet (a scene of reckless revelry)”
- “a feast/banquet for the eyes (a visually delightful scene)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for corporate gala dinners, award ceremonies, and charity fundraising events.
Academic
May appear in historical or literary texts describing ceremonial meals.
Everyday
Used for describing very formal, large celebratory meals like wedding receptions.
Technical
Used in the hospitality industry to refer to large-scale catering services and event types.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The nobles would banquet in the great hall for hours.
- They banqueted on venison and fine wine.
American English
- After the championship, the team banqueted at a downtown hotel.
- The delegates banqueted well into the night.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form in use.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form in use.)
adjective
British English
- The hotel has excellent banquet facilities.
- We need to order banquet-sized napkins.
American English
- They hired a banquet chef for the event.
- The room was set up in a banquet style.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The wedding had a big banquet.
- They ate a lot of food at the banquet.
- The company held its annual banquet at a luxury hotel.
- A lavish banquet followed the award ceremony.
- In his honour, they hosted a state banquet attended by diplomats and dignitaries.
- The charity gala concluded with a five-course banquet.
- The newly appointed ambassador was fêted at a sumptuous banquet in the palace's mirrored hall.
- Medieval chronicles often describe the king banqueting with his courtiers after a successful hunt.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BANQUET as a BANK of QUETs (quiet? no!) — a BANK of delicious food you need a big BANK account to pay for!
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A BANQUET (suggesting abundance and enjoyment). A BANQUET OF KNOWLEDGE (abundance).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using it for a simple 'обе́д' (lunch/dinner). Reserve for 'пир', 'торжественный ужин', 'банке́т'.
- The verb 'to banquet' (пировать) is very rare in modern English.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'banquet' for a casual meal with friends. (Incorrect: 'We had a small banquet at home.')
- Mispronouncing it as /bænˈket/.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the use of the word 'banquet' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Banquet' strongly implies formality, structure (seated, served courses), and a specific occasion. 'Feast' emphasizes the abundance and variety of food and can be more informal or historical/religious (e.g., a harvest feast).
Yes, but it is rare and sounds literary or archaic (e.g., 'They banqueted all night'). In modern English, phrases like 'have a banquet,' 'hold a banquet,' or 'feast' are more common.
A banquet can be served as a sit-down meal or a buffet. The key element of a banquet is the large, celebratory scale, not the serving style. A 'banquet buffet' is a common combination.
It is overwhelmingly used as a countable noun (e.g., 'a banquet,' 'the banquet'). Its use as a verb or adjective is significantly less frequent.