elevenses

[ih-lev-uhn-ziz]

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

/ ɪˈlɛvənzɪz /

plural noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of elevenses¹

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

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.

Read more on New York Times

Rory, I’m going to pass your email on to Rob - he eats those questions for elevenses.

Read more on The Guardian

Vinson was alone for 10 weeks in lockdown, and used to “get a nice napkin out”, as a way to turn his elevenses snack into a proper treat.

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Meanwhile, the UK’s powerful ability to get on its high horse about elevenses kicked into gear.

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It’s the last thing I throw in the trash, and the last thing I do before we go out for our elevenses is to take out the trash.

Read more on New York Times