dinner

Q: What is the difference between 'dinner' and 'supper'?

In modern use dinner and supper both usually refer to the main meal of the day eaten in the evening , with dinner being the slightly more formal word. Formerly, dinner typically referred to a main meal eaten in the middle of the day, while supper referred to a light meal eaten in the evening. That meaning of supper is still current in British English and among some speakers of American English.

Q: What time is dinner?

The word dinner typically now refers to the main meal of the day eaten in the evening. In the phrase "Sunday dinner," dinner often refers to a main meal eaten earlier in the day on Sunday.

Q: Why is it called 'dinner'?

The word dinner comes from the Anglo-French (that is, the French spoken in medieval England) word disner , meaning "to dine." It has been in use since the 13th century.

noun

din·ner ˈdi-nər

Synonyms of dinner

often attributive

: the principal meal of the day

having dinner at five o'clock

: a formal feast or banquet

held a dinner in her honor

: table d'hôte sense 2

: the food prepared for a dinner

eat your dinner

: a packaged meal usually for quick preparation

warmed up a frozen dinner

dinnerless

ˈdi-nər-ləs

adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between dinner and supper?

In modern use dinner and supper both usually refer to the main meal of the day eaten in the evening, with dinner being the slightly more formal word. Formerly, dinner typically referred to a main meal eaten in the middle of the day, while supper referred to a light meal eaten in the evening. That meaning of supper is still current in British English and among some speakers of American English.

What time is dinner?

The word dinner typically now refers to the main meal of the day eaten in the evening. In the phrase "Sunday dinner," dinner often refers to a main meal eaten earlier in the day on Sunday.

Why is it called dinner?

The word dinner comes from the Anglo-French (that is, the French spoken in medieval England) word disner, meaning "to dine." It has been in use since the 13th century.

Examples of dinner in a Sentence

We had many pleasant dinners together. We're planning to ask them to dinner soon. Two hundred people attended his retirement dinner.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Pre-dinner, most passengers sip cocktails in Dolce Vita, and later, some head to Panorama Lounge for after-dinner liqueurs and live music. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026 But the dinner does not need to accomplish any one thing in particular. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026 If that approach takes hold, readers can expect shorter guest lists, fewer back-to-back weekends and more counter-offers, like a coffee instead of a party or a January dinner instead of a December one. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026 The reception included a three-course dinner with speeches from Francisco, the bride’s brother and father, and the best man, Alvaro. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dinner

Word History

Etymology

Middle English diner, from Anglo-French disner, diner meal, from disner to dine

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of dinner was in the 13th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

dinna

dinner

dinner cloth

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Articles Related to dinner

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Style

“Dinner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dinner. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dinner

noun

din·ner ˈdin-ər

: the main meal of the day

: banquet entry 1

dinner

noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Synonyms of dinner

Examples of dinner in a Sentence

Word History

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8 Words for Setting the Table

Words That Come From the Dinner Table

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Kids Definition

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dinner

noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Synonyms of dinner

Examples of dinner in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing dinner

Rhymes for dinner

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to dinner

Has ‘supper’ always meant...

8 Words for Setting the Table

Words That Come From the Dinner Table

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster

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