Main meal: meaning, definitions and examples
🍽️
main meal
[ meɪn miːl ]
food
The main meal is the most important meal of the day, usually eaten in the evening and consisting of a larger portion of food than breakfast or lunch. It often includes a protein source, carbohydrates, and vegetables.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| main meal |
Refers to the most substantial meal of the day, regardless of the time it is eaten. Can be lunch or dinner depending on personal or cultural habits.
|
| dinner |
Commonly used in many English-speaking countries to refer to the main evening meal or a formal meal event. Typically eaten in the early to late evening.
|
| supper |
A term often used to refer to a light evening meal or a meal eaten later in the evening, typically after dinner. More commonly used in British and some rural American English contexts.
|
| evening meal |
Specifically refers to a meal taken in the evening. Less commonly used in conversation but clear in its meaning.
|
Examples of usage
- After a long day at work, I look forward to sitting down to a hearty main meal.
- For many families, dinner is considered the main meal of the day.
- She prepared a delicious main meal with roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
Translations
Translations of the word "main meal" in other languages:
🇵🇹 prato principal
🇮🇳 मुख्य भोजन
🇩🇪 Hauptmahlzeit
🇮🇩 makanan utama
🇺🇦 головна страва
🇵🇱 główne danie
🇯🇵 主菜
🇫🇷 plat principal
🇪🇸 plato principal
🇹🇷 ana yemek
🇰🇷 주 요리
🇸🇦 الطبق الرئيسي
🇨🇿 hlavní jídlo
🇸🇰 hlavné jedlo
🇨🇳 主菜
🇸🇮 glavna jed
🇮🇸 aðalréttur
🇰🇿 негізгі тағам
🇬🇪 ძირითადი კერძი
🇦🇿 əsas yemək
🇲🇽 plato principal
Etymology
The concept of a main meal has existed for centuries, with different cultures having their own traditions and customs around this important eating occasion. In many societies, the main meal is a time for families to come together and share food, stories, and experiences. The importance of the main meal has been emphasized in various nutritional guidelines as a key opportunity to consume a balanced and nutritious diet.