elevenses

American  

[ih-lev-uhn-ziz] / ɪˈlɛv ən zɪz /

noun

(usually used with a plural verb)

1. a midmorning break for refreshments.

   They paused for tea and muffins at elevenses.

2. the refreshments taken; a midmorning snack.

   Elevenses were not ready to be served.

---

elevenses British  

/ ɪˈlɛvənzɪz /

plural noun

1. informal (sometimes functioning as singular) a light snack, usually with tea or coffee, taken mid-morning

---

Etymology

Origin of elevenses

First recorded in 1840–65; originally dialect; doubly pluralized form of eleven, perhaps as ellipsis of eleven hours (eleven o'clock)

Explanation

Elevenses is a small snack eaten around 11 o'clock in the morning. Some things you could eat or drink at elevenses might include tea, coffee, a piece of cake, a scone, or a light sandwich. It's called elevenses because it's typically eaten around 11 in the morning, as a snack to hold people over until lunch. Think of it as the morning counterpart to afternoon tea. The specific term is an old-fashioned British one, but the custom of eating a snack at midmorning can be found in many countries, especially in Europe. You can refer to it as elevenses even if you don't eat it at eleven, but you could also try coining your own new term: Tenses? Twelveses?

Example Sentences

For late lunchers or those with particularly high-stakes mornings, maybe the elevenses, which occurs at 11 a.m., is a better fit.

From New York Times • Feb. 27, 2021

It's mid-morning - elevenses time - in the Oxford Street flagship BHS store, but the cafe which opens un-enticingly onto a slightly dingy side street is very sparsely populated.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2016

He collected a new pitching wedge and a couple of putters, made some alterations to the wedge he was already using, and was back at Augusta National in time for coffee at elevenses.

From The Guardian • Apr. 6, 2016

Film critics have not been as positive about The Hobbit as fans, but they positively heaped elevenses of derision upon Peter Jackson‘s decision to “experiment” with High Frame Rate in such a high profile feature.

From Forbes • Jan. 11, 2013

IBs horse and squire were in the courtyard, ready to take him back to Castle Bliant, but the two men were having their elevenses before he started.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White