1. water bottles or flasks, especially those used by soldiers, campers, or hikers
2. cafeterias or dining halls in schools, offices, or military bases
Usage: chiefly British
3. sets of cutlery or utensils, typically stored in a box or case

Examples

• The soldiers filled their canteens with fresh water before the march.
• Hikers should always carry full canteens on long trails.
• Students lined up in the school canteen for lunch.
• The office canteen serves hot meals from noon to 2 PM.
• She inherited her grandmother’s silver canteen with twelve place settings.
• The camping store sells lightweight aluminum canteens.
• Workers gathered in the factory canteen during their break.