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.

---

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

---

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

Then I’d have dinner at Met Him at a Bar, my favorite spot.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The four friends aren’t just having a dinner party; they’re finalizing the catering menu for Charlie and Emma’s nuptials.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

We piled into the Jeep, which he had just purchased, to get to dinner one night.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The state dinner in Washington DC had a very 1970s feel.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

I won a dinner at the Blue Goose Café and once a glass cooking dish.

From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell

Related Words

• banquet
• feast
• supper