high tea

American  

noun

British.

1. a late afternoon or early evening meal similar to a light supper.

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high tea British  

noun

1. See tea

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Etymology

Origin of high tea

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

high tea

For my birthday, I just did an afternoon high tea at the Peninsula.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 11, 2025

“We were brought up with the King, we celebrate the King’s birthday with the boys - it’s fun to have high tea and dress up in our best outfits.”

From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2024

And second, whatever you do, please don’t mistake your tea for high tea!

From Salon ● Jan. 6, 2024

Treat yourself to high tea; the tea and food are top-notch and you can continue to take in the beauty of the gardens from the tea room thanks to its large windows.

From Seattle Times ● May 12, 2022

“It’s only three days,” she told Bridge, “but you wouldn’t believe the number of events—we’re playing at the rehearsal dinner, the prewedding cocktail hour, the ceremony, and then—get this—there’s a high tea the day after.”

From "Goodbye Stranger" by Rebecca Stead