party
PAR-tee
/ˈpɑːti/
A group of people dining together at a restaurant.
In restaurant terminology, 'party' refers specifically to guest headcount for seating purposes (e.g., 'party of four').
The story behind the word. Originates from Old French partie, from Latin partire (to divide). Originally referred to a division or faction taking a side in a legal case. In dining, it refers to a distinct group split off from the general public to share a table.
Word relationships
- group: 'Group' is general everyday language, while 'party' is standard official hospitality terminology.
- individual diner: An individual diner eats alone without accompanying guests.
Commonly confused with
- celebration: A celebration implies festive entertainment, whereas a dining 'party' simply refers to guest count at a table.
Word family
- part (noun/verb): A section or division.
Collocations
- party of four
- large party
- private party
- party size
Idioms & expressions
- party of one
Example sentences
- "The hostess smiled warmly and asked, 'Good evening, how many guests are in your party tonight?'" Hostess greeting
Memory hook
Your dining PARTy is a PART of the restaurant crowd sitting together. Your specific group of diners.
When not to use
Do not confuse with festive social celebrations; in dining, even two quiet individuals form a 'party of two'.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'party of one' became famous in pop culture through traditional restaurant greeting scripts.
Related words
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