oatmeal

American  

[oht-meel, -meel] / ˈoʊtˌmil, -ˈmil /

noun

1. meal made from ground or rolled oats.

2. a cooked breakfast food made from this.

3. a grayish-fawn color.

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adjective

1. made with or containing oatmeal.

   oatmeal cookies.

oatmeal British  

/ ˈəʊtˌmiːl /

noun

1. meal ground from oats, used for making porridge, oatcakes, etc

2. 1. a greyish-yellow colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      an oatmeal coat

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Etymology

Origin of oatmeal

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; oat, meal ²

Example Sentences

“Nothing compared to this,” Lanier said, reflecting on the attention to the trial, over oatmeal, toast and a Coke Zero in a downtown Los Angeles hotel the morning after the victory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

Even oatmeal, where it melts in and makes the whole bowl feel a little more grounded, a little more complete.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026

Labels provide details on added sugar, salt, fat and carbohydrates per serving, which are often higher in ultra-processed foods than in less-processed options like plain oatmeal, nuts, beans and fresh or frozen produce.

From Science Daily • Mar. 19, 2026

The six week oatmeal group underwent identical testing procedures.

From Science Daily • Feb. 25, 2026

Despite her fear of him, however, she took her spoon in her right hand and began to eat her oatmeal.

From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket

Related Words

• cereal
• porridge