: restaurant
specifically : a usually small Italian restaurant

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In Italian, "trattore" is the word for an innkeeper or restaurant owner. That word derives from the Old French verb traitier, which means "to treat" and is related to the Latin tractare, meaning "to drag about, handle, or deal with." "Trattoria," which first appeared in English in 1832, is one of several words that have entered our language to refer to a kind of specialized eatery - in this case, one that specializes in Italian cuisine. Others that have come later include "bistro" (from French, 1921), "brasserie" (from French, 1864), and "taqueria" (from Mexican Spanish, 1982).

Examples of trattoria in a Sentence

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The Left bank city now teems with trattorias and gelaterias, and bakeries send out the sweet aromas of Basilicata breads. John Mariani, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 San Daniele del Friuli was an atmospheric neighbourhood trattoria in Highbury that was once a regular destination for Arsenal’s players and management. Amy Lawrence, The Athletic, 3 Aug. 2024 Throughout the resort dining choices abound, with more than 18 lounges and eateries, from casual cafés and tony tearooms to colorful trattorias, classic steakhouses, and epicurean gems with award-winning-cuisine. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2024 Rome aglow at night, when the piazzas empty out and the nightlife begins Getty Café tables line the streets of Trastevere, known for its traditional trattorias Fineas Anton/Unsplash What are the parts of Rome that travelers should know about? Maddalena Fossati, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trattoria 

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from trattore restaurateur, from French traiteur, from traiter to treat, from Old French traitier — more at treat entry 1

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trattoria was in 1832

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Cite this Entry

“Trattoria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trattoria. Accessed 29 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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