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

Mencken remarked on the politician who had some cannibals among his constituents that “he would promise them missionaries for dinner.”

From The Wall Street Journal

He regrets “missing so many family dinners and Little League games” owing to his “workaholism in the past.”

From The Wall Street Journal

But at an intimate dinner party where your presence is meaningful, disappearing without a word can feel dismissive, even cold.

From The Wall Street Journal

So when we accepted a dinner invitation that included a couple of friends and their spouses, I made a point of asking my pals to keep my travel plans secret from their husbands.

From The Wall Street Journal

Pfister, chief executive of AlphaCore Wealth Advisory, said that he reassured his clients at the dinner and that he is still happy with how the funds are performing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• banquet
• feast
• supper