Dinner: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ
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dinner

 

[ หˆdษชnษ™r ]

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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

Translations of the word "dinner" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น jantar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฐเคพเคค เค•เคพ เค–เคพเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Abendessen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ makan malam

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะตั‡ะตั€ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kolacja

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅค•้ฃŸ (yลซshoku)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dรฎner

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cena

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท akลŸam yemeฤŸi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ €๋… ์‹์‚ฌ (jeonyeok siksa)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุนุดุงุก (asha)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ veฤeล™e

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ veฤera

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ™š้ค (wวŽncฤn)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ veฤerja

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kvรถldmatur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะตัˆะบั– ะฐั (keshki as)

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ•แƒแƒฎแƒจแƒแƒ›แƒ˜ (vakhshami)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ axลŸam yemษ™yi

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cena

Etymology

The word 'dinner' originated from the Old French word 'disner', which meant 'breakfast'. Over time, the meaning shifted to refer to the main meal of the day. In medieval times, the word 'dinner' referred to the first meal of the day, while 'supper' was the last meal. As societal eating habits changed, 'dinner' became associated with the evening meal.

See also: dine, diner.

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.