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

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

Several landmarks in Hobart were lit up in Denmark’s red and white colors, as many residents celebrated with a picnic or a high tea at Taroona Beach, near Queen Mary’s childhood home.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 14, 2024

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

From Salon • Jan. 6, 2024

“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