platter
B2Neutral. Common in everyday and culinary contexts; slightly informal in extended/figurative uses.
Definition
Meaning
A large, flat plate or dish used for serving food.
A plate-like object or surface, often used figuratively to denote a collection or array of items presented together (e.g., 'a platter of apps'). In music/entertainment, it can refer to a vinyl record (slang).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a physical object for serving. Implies a large size and often an oval or round shape. Can suggest generous or formal presentation of food. Not typically used for individual plates during eating.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Meaning is identical. 'Platter' is slightly more common in US menus and advertising (e.g., 'seafood platter'). UK may use 'serving plate' or 'salver' in very formal contexts, but 'platter' is fully understood.
Connotations
US: Strong association with restaurant/party food sharing. UK: May retain a slightly more formal or traditional connotation.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English, especially in commercial/food service contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + platter: serve/present/arrange/bring/carry (something) on a platterADJECTIVE + platter: large/oval/silver/wooden/ceramic platterplatter + OF + NOUN: platter of fruit/cheese/cold cutsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hand/deliver/serve something on a silver platter (to give something valuable with little effort required from the recipient)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in hospitality/food service marketing ('party platters', 'catering platters').
Academic
Very rare, except in historical/archaeological contexts describing artifacts.
Everyday
Common for describing shared food at gatherings, parties, or restaurants.
Technical
In computing, an old term for a hard disk disk (e.g., 'hard disk platter').
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- She brought out a magnificent platter of cold meats and pickles.
- The antique silver platter was a family heirloom.
American English
- We ordered the nacho platter for the table.
- He passed the veggie platter around during the game.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The waiter carried a big platter of food.
- Put the bread on the platter, please.
- For the party, we prepared a large cheese and fruit platter.
- He was handed the promotion on a silver platter.
- The catering company offers a variety of sandwich platters for corporate events.
- The data was recovered from a damaged hard drive platter.
- The diplomat's resignation was served up to the media on a metaphorical platter, satisfying the public's appetite for scandal.
- The artist's latest collection presents a platter of conflicting emotions, from joy to deep despair.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PLATTER rhymes with FLATTER. Imagine someone FLATTERING you by serving you a huge, beautiful PLATTER of food.
Conceptual Metaphor
OFFERINGS/POSSIBILITIES AS A PLATTER (e.g., 'a platter of options' suggests a variety of choices laid out for selection).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'платформа' (platform). The closest Russian word is 'блюдо' or 'поднос', but 'platter' is specifically a large serving dish.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'platter' for an individual dinner plate. *'I ate my steak from a platter.' (Incorrect) -> '...from a plate.'
- Confusing 'platter' with 'plateau' (a flat geographical area).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'platter' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A plate is typically for an individual's meal. A platter is larger, for serving food to be shared by multiple people.
No, 'platter' is a noun. The related verb is 'plate' (to put food on a plate).
It is neutral. It is appropriate in both everyday and semi-formal contexts (e.g., menus, descriptions). 'Salver' is a more formal synonym.
It means to get something valuable or desirable without having to work or struggle for it. E.g., 'He expected the job to be handed to him on a silver platter.'