The term "continental" often refers to something related to a continent, which is a large continuous mass of land. For example, the North American continent includes countries like the United States and Canada. When we talk about continental climates, we mean areas that experience significant temperature differences between seasons, typically found in the interior regions of continents.
In a different context, "continental" can describe a style of cuisine, such as continental breakfast, which usually includes light fare like pastries, fruits, and coffee. This type of breakfast is common in many hotels and is designed to be quick and easy for travelers, reflecting the simplicity often associated with continental dining.