luncheonette
UK[ˌlʌn.tʃəˈnet]US[ˌlʌn.tʃəˈnet]
n
a small, informal restaurant serving light lunches
Morpheme Breakdown
luncheon
ette
luncheon
ette
Etymology
the word 'luncheonette' is a modern american english formation from the early 20th century. it is built upon the word 'luncheon', which itself evolved from middle english 'luncheon' or 'nuncheon', denoting a light snack between main meals. the french diminutive suffix '-ette' was appended to 'luncheon' to create a term for a small establishment serving such light meals. this construction follows a pattern common in english for naming small-scale commercial venues, combining a core service with a suffix that implies modest size or informality.
Analysis
Structure: luncheon + ette
luncheon (english, from middle english 'luncheon', meaning a light meal) + ette (french, diminutive suffix, indicating something small)
Examples
we stopped at a quaint luncheonette on the road for a sandwich and coffee.
the old-fashioned luncheonette still has a counter with swivel stools.
she managed a busy luncheonette in the downtown business district.