dinner

American  

[din-er] / ˈdɪn ər /

noun

1. the main meal of the day, eaten in the evening or at midday.

2. a formal meal in honor of some person or occasion.

3. table d'hôte.

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dinner British  

/ ˈdɪnə /

noun

1. a meal taken in the evening

2. a meal taken at midday, esp when it is the main meal of the day; lunch

3. 1. a formal evening meal, as of a club, society, etc

   2. a public banquet in honour of someone or something

4. a complete meal at a fixed price in a restaurant; table d'hôte

5. (modifier) of, relating to, or used at dinner

   dinner plate

   dinner table

   dinner hour

6. informal (usually passive) to do for, overpower, or outdo

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Other Word Forms

• dinnerless adjective
• predinner noun

Etymology

Origin of dinner

1250–1300; Middle English diner < Old French disner (noun use of v.); dine

Example Sentences

We took our walk always at the same time, after the midday dinner and before the shop reopened at two, and always over the same route.

From Literature

Much like his art, Schnitzer loves to show his houses to other people in an intimate, personal way, hosting dinners and taking them into bedrooms and bathrooms.

From The Wall Street Journal

Groups began to cancel long-planned parades, dinners, lectures and fundraisers scheduled for Chavez’s birthday on March 31.

From Los Angeles Times

Rory McIlroy will use one of his mother's favourite dishes among appetisers, that also include elk, when he hosts the traditional champion's dinner before his defence of the Masters next month.

From BBC

I boarded after a good night’s sleep and landed in London in time for a late dinner.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• banquet
• feast
• supper