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)