platter
PLAT-er
/ˈplætər/
A large flat dish or plate used for serving a variety of food to several people.
Refers both to the physical serving dish and to an assortment of foods served together on it.
The story behind the word. Derived from Anglo-Norman French 'platier', based on Old French 'plat' (flat), coming from Vulgar Latin 'plattus'. It originally described any flat wooden or metal serving vessel used in feasting.
Word relationships
- tray: A tray is used to carry items, while a platter is specifically designed for presenting food on a table.
- serving dish: Serving dish is general; platter specifically describes a large, broad, flat surface.
Commonly confused with
- plate: A plate holds an individual meal; a platter is larger and designed for sharing multiple items.
Collocations
- seafood platter
- cheese platter
- sharing platter
- fruit platter
Idioms & expressions
- served on a silver platter
Example sentences
- "We ordered a seafood platter containing grilled shrimp, oysters, and crab legs for the table." Group dining
Memory hook
PLATTER is a FLAT plate that is BIGGER. Large flat plate for sharing food.
When not to use
Do not use for single individual small plates or soup bowls.
Fun facts
- The idiom 'handed to you on a silver platter' originates from Victorian aristocracy serving feasts on real silver trays.
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