canteens

Noun

canteen (plural canteens)

1. A water bottle, flask, or other vessel, typically used by a soldier or camper as a bottle for carrying water or liquor for drink.
   • Come, stack arms, Men! Pile on the rails; stir up the campfire bright; no matter if the canteen fails, we'll make a roaring night. Here Shenandoah brawls along, there burly Blue Ridge echoes strong, to swell the Brigade's rousing song, of “Stonewall Jackson’s Way.”1862, John Williamson Palmer, Stonewall Jackson's Way
2. A military mess kit.
3. A box with compartments for storing eating utensils, silverware etc.
4. A temporary or mobile café used in an emergency or on a film location etc.
5. A small cafeteria or snack bar, especially one in a military establishment, school, or place of work.
   • He ordered a salad at the canteen.
   1. A cafeteria in a school or place of work.

See all 7 meanings of canteen