Origin of the word
The word pizzeria first appeared in the English language in the early 1900s, at a time when pizza restaurants and bakeries were gathering popularity outside of Italy. The term comes from the Italian word ‘pizza’, which originally meant ‘pie’, and the suffix ‘-eria’, which means ‘a place for’. It is, quite literally, the place for pizza. Pizzerias is the plural form in English (‘pizzerie’ in Italian).
Examples
“In the past decade, the number of local pizzerias making pizza in the true Naples style marked by bendy, stretchy bases and puffed rims charred in wood-fired ovens has jumped from 3 or 4 to over 40.” – The London Eater, Monday 21st August 2017: The 12 essential pizzerias in London.
“Since the first pizzeria in America opened in New York over a century ago, it’s unsurprising that New Yorkers — Long Islanders included — have strong opinions on where to find the best pizza.” – The Long Island Press, Wednesday 23rd August 2017: Best of Long Island spotlight: Top pizzerias.
“In 2011, Raúl Castro’s economic reforms permitted individuals to take out private business licences. A decade ago, pizzerias were few and far between; now, they are all over the city.” – The Guardian, Sunday 20th August 2017: Cuban entrepreneurs take a bigger slice of profits thanks to reforms.
Definition
1: a restaurant that serves pizza
View the full definition in the Macmillan Dictionary.
