Dinner: meaning, definitions and examples

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dinner

[ˈdɪnər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

meal time

The main meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening. It can vary in size and composition but is usually a substantial meal consisting of a variety of dishes.

Synonyms

evening meal, main meal, supper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dinner	Generally used to refer to the main meal of the day, which is often eaten in the evening but can also refer to a substantial meal taken at midday. Commonly used in both formal and informal settings. We're having roast chicken for dinner tonight. She invited us to a dinner party on Friday.
supper	Traditionally refers to a light meal eaten in the evening. It can also be used to describe a late evening snack and is slightly less formal than 'dinner'. We had a light supper before going to bed. Grandma always makes soup for supper.
evening meal	Specifically refers to the meal eaten in the evening. More formal and less common in everyday conversation but clear in context. We usually have our evening meal around 7 PM. There will be an evening meal after the conference.
main meal	Refers to the most substantial meal of the day, whether it's eaten at midday or in the evening. Often used in dietary or nutritional contexts. Breakfast is important, but the main meal usually provides most of your daily nutrients. Families often plan their main meal around everyone's schedules.

Examples of usage

We usually have dinner around 7 pm.
For dinner, we had roast chicken with vegetables and mashed potatoes.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

social gathering

A formal evening meal, often accompanied by entertainment or speeches. It is a social occasion where people come together to enjoy food and company.

Synonyms

banquet, feast, reception.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dinner	A formal or informal meal typically eaten in the evening. It can be a family gathering or just a regular meal. We have dinner at 7 PM every night Last night, we had a delicious dinner with friends
banquet	A large, formal meal for many people, usually for a special occasion or event, such as a wedding or award ceremony. The company held a banquet to celebrate its 50th anniversary We attended a banquet after the charity event
feast	A large meal with plentiful food and drink, often for a special celebration. It can sound more extravagant or festive than just 'dinner.' We prepared a feast for Thanksgiving The medieval king held a grand feast for his knights
reception	A social event, often following a formal ceremony such as a wedding or a formal meeting, where light refreshments or meals are served, and people can mingle and socialize. There was a reception after the wedding ceremony We stayed for the reception to congratulate the newlyweds

Examples of usage

The charity event included a three-course dinner and live music.
We are hosting a dinner party for our friends next weekend.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'dinner' comes from the Old French word 'disner', which meant 'to have breakfast' as it was originally the first meal of the day.
In the Middle Ages, 'dinner' referred to the day's main meal, which was often served around noon.
The transition of dinner to the evening meal became common in the 19th century, especially among working-class people.

Cultural Traditions

Many cultures have unique dinner customs, such as family gathering around a table in the U.S. or communal eating shared from large plates in parts of Africa.
In some countries, dinner is a late meal, often served after 8 PM, reflecting social and work schedules.
Ceremonial dinners, like holiday feasts, strengthen cultural identity and family bonds.

Health and Nutrition

Dinner can be an important time to gather as a family, promoting healthy eating habits and communication.
Balanced dinners typically include a variety of food groups: proteins, vegetables, and grains, essential for nutrition.
Eating too late at night can disrupt sleep, prompting discussions on meal timing and its effects on health.

Literature and Media

Dinner scenes in literature often symbolize social status, relationships, and character development in both classic and modern storytelling.
Dinner is a common setting in films and TV shows, often dramatizing interactions during familial or romantic gatherings.
The iconic phrase 'dinner is served' evokes a sense of anticipation in narrative settings, marking significant moments.

Social Practices

In many societies, sharing dinner with friends can foster relationships and community bonds.
Dinner parties have been a popular social tradition, often centered around elaborate meals that showcase culinary skills.
Potluck dinners allow guests to bring dishes, encouraging participation and sharing among friends.

Translations

Translations of the word "dinner" in other languages:

🇵🇹 jantar

🇮🇳 रात का खाना

🇩🇪 Abendessen

🇮🇩 makan malam

🇺🇦 вечеря

🇵🇱 kolacja

🇯🇵 夕食 (yūshoku)

🇫🇷 dîner

🇪🇸 cena

🇹🇷 akşam yemeği

🇰🇷 저녁 식사 (jeonyeok siksa)

🇸🇦 عشاء (asha)

🇨🇿 večeře

🇸🇰 večera

🇨🇳 晚餐 (wǎncān)

🇸🇮 večerja

🇮🇸 kvöldmatur

🇰🇿 кешкі ас (keshki as)

🇬🇪 ვახშამი (vakhshami)

🇦🇿 axşam yeməyi

🇲🇽 cena

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,318, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2315 beneath
2316 rent
2317 formerly
2318 dinner
2319 ye
2320 infection
2321 sharp
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