mealtime

noun

meal·​time ˈmēl-ˌtīm How to pronounce mealtime (audio)
: the usual time for serving a meal

Examples of mealtime in a Sentence

Take one pill at mealtime. The two children have different mealtimes.
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.
These mealtime shortcuts offer all of the flavor for a fraction of the prep time. — Sonal Dutt, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 At mealtime, this might look like filling two-thirds of your plate with whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and seeds. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026 The best strategy for spreadable butter that doesn't go bad is to leave out just enough butter for mealtime. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 2 June 2026 In true festival fashion, though, mealtimes can get a little hectic. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for mealtime

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mealtime was in the 12th century

Rhymes for mealtime

See All Rhymes for mealtime

Browse Nearby Words

mealtide
mealtime
mealworm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mealtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mealtime. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mealtime

noun
meal·​time ˈmēl-ˌtīm How to pronounce mealtime (audio)
: the usual time at which a meal is served

More from Merriam-Webster on mealtime

Nglish: Translation of mealtime for Spanish Speakers

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