caterca‧ter /ˈkeɪtə $ -ər/ ●○○ verb [intransitive, transitive] 
Word Origin Examples
This is the biggest event we’ve ever catered for. Joan has catered functions for up to 200 people.cater for somebody/something (also cater to somebody/something) phrasal verb to provide a particular group of people with the things they need or want: an LA bank catering to Asian businesses Vegetarians are well catered for. Most perfume ads cater to male fantasies.
Word OriginWORD ORIGINcater
Verb TableOrigin:
1500-1600 cater ‘someone who provides food, caterer’ (14-17 centuries), from Anglo-French acatour, from Old North French acater ‘to buy’VERB TABLE
cater
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | cater |
| he, she, it | caters | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | catered |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have catered |
| he, she, it | has catered | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had catered |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will cater |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have catered |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am catering |
| he, she, it | is catering | |
| you, we, they | are catering | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was catering |
| you, we, they | were catering | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been catering |
| he, she, it | has been catering | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been catering |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be catering |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been catering |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
Thesaurus- a catered lunch
- Batch processes are designed to cater for five times as many entries as are currently stored in tables.
- Certainly all tastes are catered for at Club Venus.
- Lately, the restaurant chain, which caters mainly to blue-collar diners, has been hurt by competition.
- The marketplace caters to the requirements of advertisers.
Longman Language Activatorto provide a service for a particular group of people► cater for
Collocations also cater to to provide services to a group of people, especially a group that has particular problems or particular needs: · The hostel caters for single people who are unable to find affordable accommodation.· The market now caters mainly to tourists.be well catered for: · Children are well catered for at the Hotel Paradiso.cater to somebody's every need: · Cabin staff will cater to your every need.
► serve to provide a service for a very large group of people, especially those living in a particular area: · He served the community for over thirty years as a head teacher.· The new bus route will serve the villages to the west of York.serve the needs of somebody: · The center was opened four months ago to serve the health needs of a low-income neighborhood.
► provide for to provide a service for a particular group of people, especially one that they really need: · The nursing home provides for all the needs of the elderly.· Local authorities must provide for the education of all children with learning difficulties.
WORD SETS► Foodabalone, nounacetic acid, nounadditive, nounaftertaste, nounà la carte, adjectiveal dente, adjectivealfresco, adjectiveambrosia, nounangelica, nounaniseed, nounantipasto, nounappetizer, nounarrowroot, nounbad, adjectivebaker, nounbaking powder, nounbaking soda, nounbanana split, nounbanger, nounbanquet, nounbanqueting hall, nounbarbie, nounbarley, nounbasil, nounbass, nounbatch, nounbay leaf, nounBBQ, nounbean, nounbean curd, nounbeansprout, nounbeef, nounbeefburger, nounbeefsteak, nounbeet, nounbell pepper, nounberry, nounbetel, nounbetel nut, nounbicarbonate of soda, nounbilberry, nounbill of fare, nounbinge, nounbinge, verbbistro, nounblackberry, nounblack-eyed bean, nounblack pepper, nounblack pudding, nounblend, verbblend, nounblueberry, nounboard, nounbolt, verbbone, verbbon vivant, nounbony, adjectivebox lunch, nounbramble, nounbran, nounbrandy butter, nounbrasserie, nounbrawn, nounbreakfast, nounbrisket, nounbroiler, nounbroiler chicken, nounbroth, nounbrown rice, nounbrunch, nounbubble gum, nounbuckwheat, nounbuffet, nounbun, nounbus, verbbusboy, nounbutcher, nounbutcher, verbbutchery, nounbuttercream, nounbutty, nouncafé, nouncafeteria, nouncaff, nouncaffeine, nouncake, nouncan, verbcandy, nouncanned, adjectivecapon, nouncapsicum, nouncaraway, nouncarbohydrate, nouncare package, nouncarvery, nouncassava, nouncater, verbcaterer, nouncatering, nouncatsup, nouncatwalk, nouncayenne pepper, nouncereal, nouncheese, nounchef, nouncherry tomato, nounchickpea, nounchilli, nounChinese, nounchip shop, nounchives, nounchocolate, nounchocolatey, adjectiveChristmas dinner, nounchuck steak, nouncitric acid, nouncitron, nounclotted cream, nounclub sandwich, nouncob, nouncobbler, nouncocoa, nouncocoa bean, nouncoconut milk, nouncoffee house, nouncoffee shop, nouncold cuts, nouncold storage, nouncold store, nouncommissary, nounconcentrate, nouncondensed milk, nouncondiment, nouncone, nounconfection, nounconfectioner, nounconfectioner's sugar, nounconfectionery, nounconserve, nouncontent, nouncontinental breakfast, nounconvenience food, nouncook-chill, adjectivecooker, nouncookie, nouncooking, nouncooking oil, nouncorn bread, nouncorn chip, nouncorncob, nouncorned beef, nouncornet, nouncornflakes, nouncornflour, nouncornmeal, nouncorn on the cob, nouncorn pone, nouncornstarch, nouncorn syrup, nouncottage cheese, nouncotton candy, nouncourgette, nouncourse, nouncover charge, nouncrab, nouncrab apple, nouncracker, nouncrackling, nouncranberry, nouncrayfish, nouncream, nouncream cheese, nouncream cracker, nouncreamer, nouncreamy, adjectivecress, nouncrisp, nouncrisp, adjectivecrispbread, nouncrispy, adjectivecroissant, nouncroquette, nouncrouton, nouncrumb, nouncrumpet, nouncrunchy, adjectivecrust, nouncrusty, adjectivecrystallized, adjectivecucumber, nouncud, nouncuisine, nouncupcake, nouncurd, nouncurdle, verbcurrant, nouncustard, nouncut, nouncutlet, noundainty, nounDanish pastry, noundate, noundefrost, verbdelicacy, noundemerara sugar, noundesiccated, adjectivedevilled, adjectivedevour, verbdiabetic, adjectivedigest, verbdigestible, adjectivedill, noundill pickle, noundine, verbdiner, noundining car, noundinner, noundinner dance, noundinner party, noundinner theater, noundinnertime, noundissolve, verbdoggy bag, noundoily, noundollop, noundough, noundown, verbdrain, verbdredge, verbdried, adjectivedried fruit, noundripping, noundrumstick, noundry goods, noundunk, verbEaster egg, nouneat, verbeatery, nouneating apple, nouneats, nounEccles cake, nounéclair, nounEdam, nounedible, adjectiveeel, nounegg, nouneggplant, nounegg roll, nounelevenses, nounendive, nounEnglish breakfast, nounEnglish muffin, nounentrée, nounepicure, nounescalope, nounevaporated milk, nounfast food, nounfeed, verbfeed, nounfeta cheese, nounfig, nounfilbert, nounfillet, verbfilling, adjectivefilling, nounfilo, nounflounder, nounfloury, adjectiveflyblown, adjectivefoil, nounfoodstuff, nounforage, nounfork, verbfortify, verbfreeze-dried, adjectiveFrench bean, nounFrench bread, nounFrench dressing, nounFrench fry, nounFrench loaf, nounFrench stick, nounfries, nounfromage frais, nounfrozen, adjectivefruit, nounfudge, nounfull-fat, adjectivegaram masala, noungarlic, noungarnish, noungarnish, verbgastronomic, adjectivegastronomy, noungel, verbginger, nounglass, nounglassware, noungolden raisin, noungoody, noungourmand, noungrain, nounGranary, adjectivegranulated, adjectivegreasy, adjectivegreasy spoon, noungreen, adjectivegrill, noungristle, noungrocer, nounground, adjectiveground beef, noungrub, noungruel, nounguava, noungum, noungumball, noungumbo, noungumdrop, nounhalal, adjectivehalibut, nounham, nounhamburger, nounhaunch, nounhead table, nounhealth food, nounheart, nounhearty, adjectiveheat, nounherb, nounhigh tea, nounhome economics, nounhot dish, nounhygiene, nounhygienic, adjectiveiceman, nounindigestible, adjectiveindigestion, nouninedible, adjectiveinfected, adjectiveingest, verbinn, nouninsipid, adjectiveintake, nounirradiate, verbjellied, adjectivejoint, nounjuice, nounjuicy, adjectivejunk, nounjunk food, nounknuckle, nounkosher, adjectivelaxative, nounlean, adjectiveleavings, nounleg, nounlight, adjectiveliquorice, nounlive, adjectiveloaf, nounlocker, nounloin, nounlotus, nounlukewarm, adjectivelump, nounlunch, nounlunch, verblunchbox, nounlunch break, nounluncheon, nounlunch hour, nounlunchroom, nounlunchtime, nounluscious, adjectivemace, nounMadeira cake, nounmain course, nounmaitre d', nounmaize, nounmandarin, nounmandarin orange, nounmangetout, nounmango, nounmaple syrup, nounmargarine, nounmarge, nounmarmalade, nounmarrow, nounmarshmallow, nounMason jar, nounmasticate, verbmature, adjectivemature, verbmeal, nounmealie, nounmealtime, nounmealy, adjectivemeat, nounmeat-packing, nounmeaty, adjectivemellow, adjectivementhol, nounmentholated, adjectivemenu, nounmess, nounmess, verbmess hall, nounmilk chocolate, nounmillet, nounmince, nounmint, nounmocha, nounmolasses, nounmoreish, adjectivemorsel, nounmouldy, adjectivemouth, nounmouthful, nounMSG, nounmunch, verbmung bean, nounmush, nounmushroom, nounmustard, nounnibble, verbnibble, nounnosh, nounnourish, verbnourishment, nounnugget, nounnut, nounnutcracker, nounnutshell, nounnutty, adjectiveoatmeal, nounoats, nounoffal, nounokra, nounon, prepositiononion, nounorder, nounoregano, nounorganic, adjectiveoverindulge, verboxtail, nounpackaging, nounpacker, nounpap, nounparcel, nounpaste, nounpastille, nounpastry, nounpatisserie, nounpearl barley, nounpectin, nounpeel, verbpeel, nounpepper, nounpepper, verbpeppercorn, nounpeppermint, nounperishable, adjectivepetit four, nounpiccalilli, nounpicnic, nounpicnic, verbpie, nounpilaff, nounpilau, nounpimento, nounpinto bean, nounpit, nounpizza parlor, nounpizzeria, nounplain chocolate, nounplain flour, nounploughman's lunch, nounpoor boy, nounpork, nounpork pie, nounpork rinds, nounporridge, nounporterhouse steak, nounportion, nounpostprandial, adjectivepotato, nounpotato crisp, nounpotted, adjectivepoultry, nounpraline, nounprawn, nounprepacked, adjectivepreservative, nounpreserve, verbpreserve, nounpretzel, nounprovision, verbprune, nounpuff pastry, nounpumpernickel, nounpumpkin, nounpuree, verbquince, nounQuorn, nounrabbit, nounrancid, adjectiverare, adjectiveravenous, adjectiveraw, adjectivered meat, nounreheat, verbrennet, nounrepast, nounreplete, adjectiverestaurant, nounrestaurant car, nounrestaurateur, nounrib, nounrice, nounrigatoni, nounrind, nounripe, adjectiveroadhouse, nounrock, nounroe, nounroll, nounroot vegetable, nounrose hip, nounrusk, nounrutabaga, nounsaccharin, nounsalad cream, nounsalad dressing, nounsalami, nounsalmon, nounsalsa, nounsalt, verbsalt, adjectivesalty, adjectivesandwich, nounsardine, nounsassafras, nounsatisfying, adjectivesatsuma, nounsauerkraut, nounsausage, nounscallion, nounscampi, nounscone, nounscoop, nounScotch broth, nounscratchings, nounseafood, nounseasoned, adjectiveseed, verbsemolina, nounservery, nounservice charge, nounserving, nounset, adjectiveshallot, nounshellfish, nounsherbet, nounshish kebab, nounshortbread, nounshortcake, nounshortcrust pastry, nounshoulder, nounshrimp cocktail, nounside order, nounsillabub, nounsimnel cake, nounsingle cream, nounsirloin, nounsitting, nounskimmed milk, nounskin, nounskin, verbslaw, nounslice, nounsliced bread, nounsloe, nounsloppy joe, nounsmorgasbord, nounsnack bar, nounsnow pea, nounsoda fountain, nounsodium chloride, nounsoft fruit, nounsorghum, nounsoul food, nounsour, adjectivesour, verbsourdough, nounsoya, nounsoya bean, nounspearmint, nounspinach, nounsponge, nounsponge cake, nounsponge pudding, nounspoon, verbspoonful, nounspotted dick, nounspread, nounspring onion, nounspring roll, nounsprout, nounspud, nounsquash, nounsquid, nounstaple, nounstarfruit, nounstarter, nounsteak, nounsteakhouse, nounsteak tartare, nounstew, nounstick, nounStilton, nounstir-fry, verbstodge, nounstone-ground, adjectivestrawberry, nounstring bean, nounstringy, adjectivestrudel, nounsub, nounsucrose, nounsuet, nounsugar, nounsugar, verbsugar-coated, adjectivesugar cube, nounsugar lump, nounsugary, adjectivesultana, nounsun-dried, adjectivesup, verbsupper, nounsustenance, nounswallow, verbswallow, nounswede, nounsweetcorn, nounsweetened condensed milk, nounsweetener, nounsweetmeat, nounsweet pepper, nounsweet potato, nounsyrup, nounsyrupy, adjectivetable d'hôte, nountaco, nountaffy, nountainted, adjectivetakeaway, nountakeout, nountangerine, nountapas, nountapioca, nountaramasalata, nountariff, nountart, nountartare sauce, nountaste, verbtasteless, adjectivetaster, nountasting, nountater, nountattie, nounT-bone steak, nountea, nounteacake, nountender, adjectivetin, nountinned, adjectivetitbit, nountoffee apple, nountofu, nountomato, nountongue, nountop, nountopping, nountop round, nountopside, nountop table, nountortilla, nountough, adjectivetransport cafe, nountreacle, nountrifle, nountripe, nountrotter, nountruck stop, nountruffle, nountub, nountuna, nounturkey, nounTurkish delight, nounturnip, nounturnover, nountutti frutti, nounTV dinner, nounTVP, noununadulterated, adjectiveunleavened, adjectiveunpalatable, adjectivevacuum-packed, adjectivevanilla, nounveal, nounvegan, nounvegetable, nounvegetarian, nounvegetarianism, nounveggie, nounvenison, nounvictual, verbvictuals, nounvoracious, adjectivevoucher, nounwaiter, nounwaitress, nounwalnut, noun-ware, suffixwarmed-over, adjectivewedge, nounwell, nounwell-done, adjectivewell-fed, adjectivewet fish, nounwheat, nounwhite, nounwhite flour, nounwhite pepper, nounwhite sauce, nounwholefood, nounwholemeal, adjectivewhole wheat, adjectivewiener, nounwild rice, nounwishbone, nounwrap, nounyeast extract, nounyoghurt, nounyogurt, nounyolk, nounyule log, nounyummy, adjectivezucchini, nounzwieback, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a software/catering/construction etc business
to provide and serve food and drinks at a party, meeting etc, usually as a businesscater for· His girlfriend runs a catering business.
► a catering establishment (=a restaurant, cafe etc)· She runs a successful catering establishment in Leeds.
► catering/restaurant/cooking facilities· The rooms all have cooking facilities and a fridge.
► self-catering accommodation/apartment/cottage etcCOLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB► also· The college also caters for students from other parts of Wirral.· They also cater, bringing their all-you-can-eat buffet to offices nearby.· The Centre also caters for reading parties, small conferences and field studies.· It also caters for those who want more intensive sessions.
► for· Certainly all tastes are catered for at Club Venus.· A mixed group of students would be catered for by placing greater emphasis on electives.· The 12 person dormitories have been replaced by five purpose-built houses, each with rooms catering for between two and six people.· Non-Sailors Non-sailing groups are catered for in Bitez, Finikounda and Nidri, either in house parties or on shore holidays.· Two positions are catered for on the hanger, giving still more options of flow direction.· This purpose-built health hydro has been designed around the needs of the guest so your every whim is catered for.· The store plans to cater for about 10 trainees at a time at a cost of only £29.95 for three hours.· From fast food to elegant banqueting, all tastes are catered for.
► mainly· Lately, the restaurant chain, which caters mainly to blue-collar diners, has been hurt by competition.· I., has catered mainly to tourists with modest bankrolls.
► to· How to make government responsive to the choices of those it was expected to cater to?· Some one who's not two years old, or has to be catered to and taken care of ....
► well· On a parallel track, the business world is well catered for with several compatible products on the two systems.· Its bookshops are on a par, which means it is well catered for.· Children too are well catered for, giving you the chance to have some time off as well.
NOUN► age· We cater for all ages, shapes and sizes.· They are competitively priced children's books which are both entertaining and instructive and cater for all age groups.· The pool with adjoining free form beach area caters for all age groups from the toddler to the senior citizen.
► business· On a parallel track, the business world is well catered for with several compatible products on the two systems.· Hyatt Hotels has helped employees launch in-dependent businesses in party catering and sporting-equipment rental.
► child· Judges will consider overall design, safety, level of fun and how the playground caters for children with disabilities.· She says they've got good facilites and can cater for children up to 16.· It catered for children up to eleven years old.· Facilities will run after normal school hours to cater for latch-key children.· There are also independent schools that cater for pre-school children.· The policy caters for children from three to 18 years of age or when they start work, whichever is the sooner.
► course· Educationists must modify or supplement teacher training courses soas to cater for those who will work in rural schools.· Beginning this autumn, courses are designed to cater for all tastes and interests.
► demand· He can use stock motifs and patterns and superfluous work can be retained to cater for future demand.· Supermarkets themselves say they're catering for increasing customer demand, customers too seem to reinforce that attitude.· Foreign imports such as colour television sets and hi-fi systems cram shop windows, catering to demands for conspicuous consumption.· Even today, little effort is made to cater for the ever-growing demand for safe cycling routes.
► diet· Points to note None of the full-board Halls of Residence caters for special diets of any type.· We use much of our own organic produce and can cater for most diets.· Jean provides a very good five-course evening meal and will cater for special diets on request.
► group· Non-Sailors Non-sailing groups are catered for in Bitez, Finikounda and Nidri, either in house parties or on shore holidays.· Those with Internet access should keep an eye on a series of Usenet discussion groups that cater to Windows 95 issues.· The Plan stresses that point and also underlines the need to make sure that minority ethnic groups are catered for.· There are a number of international schools in the London area as well as support groups which cater for different nationalities.· The group also tries to cater for local artists who work fulltime and are unable to go to all classes.
► hotel· Regis, a hotel that catered to gentlewomen.· Others have taken advantage of economic reforms to demolish their homes and replace them with small hotels that cater to foreign tourists.
► market· You must either study and cater for existing markets or create hew markets for your own special products.· Then, sometime in the mid-1950s, several trendy boutiques opened catering for the new market in flamboyant men's clothing.
► need· Edwards tells would-be entrepreneurs to target products or services that cater to people whose needs are not being met by mainstream businesses.· How can you cater to all their needs?· The Act does not allow children to be removed from home simply because other arrangements may cater better for their needs.· We adore our sweet babies and rightfully cater to their needs.· The first two special projects cater for women's needs.· The Northern arm currently caters to the needs of more than 1,000 small businesses.
► people· They cater for people who need both nursing supervision and a lot of practical help.· Edwards tells would-be entrepreneurs to target products or services that cater to people whose needs are not being met by mainstream businesses.· Last year, Crisis catered for 1,800 people with some 700 sleeping overnight during an eight-day period.· The centre is able to cater for 120 people at any one time.· Events are organised at national, regional and local level and cater for people at all levels of ability.· Up to April 1988 this was known as supplementary pension and was the arm of the supplementary benefit system catering for older people.· With conference facilities to cater up to 300 people.· We regret we are unable to cater for people with physical disabilities.
► restaurant· Sushi restaurants that cater to techies and tony taco bars overflow at lunchtime.· Lately, the restaurant chain, which caters mainly to blue-collar diners, has been hurt by competition.· Nayab's restaurant has provided catering for two functions attended by Prince Charles, who ordered 33 separate vegetarian dishes.
► school· This infant school was sometimes part of a junior school which catered for seven to eleven year olds.· Facilities will run after normal school hours to cater for latch-key children.· There are also independent schools that cater for pre-school children.· He says that his school caters for children with special needs, one of the areas most under threat from cuts.
► self· Prices: from £215 for seven nights self catering in Kos.· There's also separate self catering accommodation on-site.· Of course, style does add a bit to costs, so our self catering apartments are popular with those on a budget.· Prices for family foursomes start from £156 based on four nights self-catering in May.· If he makes it, Darius will be more full of himself than a self-catering cannibal.
► service· Edwards tells would-be entrepreneurs to target products or services that cater to people whose needs are not being met by mainstream businesses.· Equipment - the availability of conference-related equipment and support services such as catering 4.· To reduce the imbalance, several services that cater exclusively to women have emerged.· There are also groups that would like to set up specialist or local services which cater for interests neglected by present stations.· Called Lady's First, it's targeted at businesswomen looking for a service that caters exclusively for them.· And by providing a service that caters to you, as an individual.
► student· The college also caters for students from other parts of Wirral.· They generally cater for up to 500 students.· Some cater for several thousand students, full- and part-time.· For 1993 we have organised four holidays to cater for students of all levels of experience and covering a variety of subjects.· Now the market caters to tourists and students.
► system· He claims the company is preparing the system to cater for future power stations in the Teesside area.· A major segment of local ISPs is the thousands of bulletin board systems catering to different interest groups.· Up to April 1988 this was known as supplementary pension and was the arm of the supplementary benefit system catering for older people.· The same applies to systems programming, catering, management training, publicity, security arid many other key activities.
► taste· Voice over Hay's booksellers justifiably boast that they cater for all tastes.· He seemed to cater for all tastes in his selections.· It is not against modernisation but believes that pubs should cater for all tastes.· It made no pretence of catering to faddish tastes like vegetarianism or high fibre diets.· It began to cater for all tastes.· Bespoke shopkeepers, celebrated chefs, jewellers, craftsmen and artists arrived to cater for exclusive tastes.· Beginning this autumn, courses are designed to cater for all tastes and interests.
► tourist· So conservationists hope they can preserve the area's outstanding natural beauty and cater for the tourists too.· Others have taken advantage of economic reforms to demolish their homes and replace them with small hotels that cater to foreign tourists.· In addition, many farmers, particularly on family farms, have sought to diversify their enterprises,for example by catering for tourists.· I., has catered mainly to tourists with modest bankrolls.· Now the market caters to tourists and students.
► variety· This would cater for the variety of children that exist.· A trainer was an all-purpose sports shoe catering to a wide variety of sporting activities.· The alternatives are designed to cater for a wide variety of abilities in S5.· Contender's output is released on differing labels according to content, catering to a wide variety of tastes and interests.· The policy has to cater for a wide variety of machines, some fixed and some mobile.
VERB► design· Batch processes are designed to cater for five times as many entries as are currently stored in tables.· Each is designed to cater for 60 pupils.· The alternatives are designed to cater for a wide variety of abilities in S5.· Beginning this autumn, courses are designed to cater for all tastes and interests.· The meals themselves are designed to cater for all tastes.
This is the biggest event we’ve ever catered for. Joan has catered functions for up to 200 people.cater for somebody/something (also cater to somebody/something) phrasal verb to provide a particular group of people with the things they need or want: an LA bank catering to Asian businesses Vegetarians are well catered for. Most perfume ads cater to male fantasies.