TOEFL® Vocabulary Flashcard

Canned food refers to food items that have been processed, sealed in an airtight container such as a can, and subjected to heat to kill harmful bacteria and microorganisms. This process extends the shelf life of the food, making it a popular choice for long-term storage and convenience. Canned foods can include a wide variety of items, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood.

• We stocked up on canned food in preparation for the winter storm.

• Canned food can be a convenient and quick option for a meal.

• Many people donate canned food to help those in need. 

A combo typically refers to a combination of items grouped together, often at a reduced price, in the context of food and dining. It allows customers to purchase a meal that includes a main dish along with one or more side items, which can include drinks, appetizers, or desserts. Combos are popular in fast-food and casual dining establishments because they offer convenience and value to the customer.

• I ordered a burger combo with fries and a drink.

• The combo meal offers a good value for a complete lunch.

• Please choose your side dish to complete the combo. 

Corn soup is a popular dish in various cuisines around the world. It is made primarily with corn as the main ingredient and often includes cream, milk, or broth to create a rich and creamy texture. This soup can be enjoyed both hot and cold, and it is commonly customized with additional ingredients like chicken, vegetables, or spices to cater to different tastes.

• I made a delicious corn soup for dinner last night.

• Corn soup is often served with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.

• Can you share your recipe for creamy corn soup?

Dessert is a course that typically comes at the end of a meal. It includes sweets or pastries and is often considered a treat or a way to conclude a dining experience on a high note. In many cultures, desserts are an integral part of celebratory meals and can range from simple fruits to elaborate cakes and pies.

• We had ice cream for dessert.

• The restaurant offers a variety of desserts on its menu.

• She loves baking and always prepares a special dessert for family gatherings

The word "dish" can refer to both a physical object and a type of food. As a noun, it commonly describes any type of container used to hold, serve, or cook food, such as a plate or bowl. In another context, "dish" can also mean a specific prepared food item or recipe, like "a dish of spaghetti" or "a vegetarian dish." This dual meaning makes it a versatile word in culinary contexts.

• She brought out a steaming dish of lasagna.

• Can you help me wash the dishes?

• This restaurant is famous for its signature dish, duck confit. 

The main course in a meal is the most significant part of the dining experience, typically following the appetizer or starter and preceding the dessert. It is usually the most substantial dish, designed to satisfy hunger and provide the bulk of nutritional intake.

• The main course was a beautifully cooked steak with a side of roasted vegetables.

• For the main course, I chose grilled salmon with a lemon butter sauce.

• The restaurant offers a variety of main courses, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. 

A meal typically refers to an occasion when food is eaten, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The term can also apply to any food eaten during a specific time that constitutes a set eating occasion. Meals are important not only for nutrition but also for social interaction and cultural expression.

• We enjoyed a delicious meal at the new restaurant downtown.

• He prepares his meals for the week every Sunday.

• Can you recommend a good place for a quick meal? 

A picnic is a meal taken outdoors as part of an excursion, often in scenic surroundings, and typically enjoyed in a relaxed and informal setting. People often bring picnic baskets filled with food and drinks, and sometimes picnic blankets to sit on. It's a popular activity during spring and summer months, and is enjoyed by people of all ages.

• We decided to have a picnic by the lake on Sunday.

• The children enjoyed their picnic in the park despite the cloudy weather.

• Please bring your own sandwiches and drinks for the picnic. 

A potluck is a communal gathering where each guest or group contributes a different, often homemade dish of food to be shared among the group. This type of event is popular for community gatherings, office parties, and among friends, as it spreads the effort of cooking and provides a variety of foods to enjoy.

• We're having a potluck at work next Friday.

• Everyone is invited to bring a dish to the neighborhood potluck.

• She signed up to bring desserts to the family potluck. 

The word “side” is primarily used as a noun to refer to the lateral surface or edge of something, or an aspect or part of something. In a restaurant, a side is an extra dish of food, for example vegetables or salad, that is served with the main dish, sometimes on a separate plate. As an adjective, it describes something related to or located at the side of something else.

• Please stand on the right side of the escalator.

• He always takes his brother's side in an argument.

• Would you like any side dishes with your steak?

• We ordered fries as a side with our burgers.

• For dinner, we had grilled chicken with two sides: coleslaw and mashed.

• We need to consider all sides of the issue before making a decision.

The word "starter" is commonly used in various contexts to denote the person or device that initiates an action or process. In sports, a starter is the person who signals the beginning of a race. In a mechanical context, a starter is a device used to initiate the operation of an engine. Additionally, in dining, a starter refers to an appetizer or the first course of a meal, intended to "start" the dining experience.

• We ordered a salad as a starter. 

• For our party, we prepared a variety of starters to keep the guests entertained.

• Please choose a starter from the menu before the main course.

• He is always the starter at our meetings.

• The car's starter seems to be malfunctioning.