pantry

noun

pan·​try ˈpan-trē How to pronounce pantry (audio)
plural pantries
Synonyms of pantrynext
1
: a room or closet used for storage (as of provisions) or from which food is brought to the table
2
: a room (as in a hotel or hospital) for preparation of foods on order

Synonyms of pantry

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Examples of pantry in a Sentence

homemade jams and pickles are stored in a separate pantry off the kitchen
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the center of town, check out Inquiring Minds Bookstore for used and new books with a great kids’ section or Enoki for an eclectic mix of Asian pantry items and vintage clothing. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026 The kitchen is an area that can always use extra light, from meal-prep areas to dark pantries. — Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2026 Other highlights include a fireside parlor and a country-style kitchen with beadboard cabinetry, a breakfast nook, and a butler’s pantry. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026 Unopened soy sauce can be kept in the pantry and away from sources of heat. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pantry

Word History

Etymology

Middle English panetrie, from Anglo-French paneterie, from paneter servant in charge of the pantry, from pain bread, from Latin panis — more at food

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pantry was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing pantry

Rhymes for pantry

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Browse Nearby Words

pantropical
pantry
pantryman
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Cite this Entry

“Pantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pantry. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pantry

noun
pan·​try ˈpan-trē How to pronounce pantry (audio)
plural pantries
: a small room in which food and dishes are kept
Etymology

Middle English panetrie "pantry," derived from early French panetier "servant in charge of food storage," from pan "bread," from Latin panis "bread, food" — related to companion

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