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Lunch Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lunch

[lʌn(t)ʃ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

eating

A meal eaten in the middle of the day, typically between breakfast and dinner.

Synonyms

midday meal, noontime meal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lunch

Common in everyday speech and informal settings. Suitable for general use and understood by everyone.

  • Let's grab lunch together tomorrow.
  • I usually have lunch at 1 PM.
midday meal

Used in more formal or structured contexts. Might be seen in written invitations, schedules, or formal announcements.

  • The conference will break for a midday meal at noon.
  • Students are advised to bring their own midday meal.
noontime meal

Less commonly used, can be employed for variety or in specific writings to emphasize the timing. Rare in everyday conversations.

  • The team gathered for their noontime meal before the afternoon meeting.
  • Farmhands took a break for their noontime meal in the shade.

Examples of usage

  • Let's go out for lunch today.
  • I usually bring my lunch to work.
Context #2 | Noun

school/work

A break in the day where one eats a meal.

Synonyms

lunchtime, meal break.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lunch

Typically used to refer to the meal taken in the middle of the day. It's a neutral term most suitable for everyday situations.

  • I usually have a salad for lunch.
  • Do you want to grab lunch together?

Examples of usage

  • The students have lunch at 12 o'clock.
  • I need to grab a quick lunch before the meeting.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To eat lunch.

Synonyms

eat lunch, have lunch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lunch

Refers to the meal itself, usually eaten around midday.

  • I packed my lunch today.
  • What's for lunch?
eat lunch

Describes the action of consuming the midday meal.

  • Let's eat lunch together.
  • I usually eat lunch at noon.
have lunch

Similar to 'eat lunch,' it implies consuming the midday meal, often used in a social or formal context.

  • Shall we have lunch tomorrow?
  • I had lunch with my boss today.

Examples of usage

  • Let's lunch together tomorrow.
  • I usually lunch at my desk.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'lunch'

The word 'lunch' originated in the 16th century from the word 'nuncheon', which means a light midday meal. Over time, the word evolved to 'lunch', with its current meaning of a midday meal. Lunch became more popular as a concept during the Industrial Revolution when workers needed a break to eat during the day.

See also: lunchtime.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,061, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.