A1noun1K

Meal

UK /["/miːl/"]/US /["/miːl/"]/

Definition

an occasion when people eat food, especially breakfast, lunch or dinner

In simple words: Food that you eat at one time.

Examples

  • I had a delicious meal at the new restaurant.
  • Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
  • We usually have a big family meal on Sundays.
  • She prepared a healthy meal for her friends.
  • A three-course meal includes an appetizer, main dish, and dessert.

Usage notes

Use 'meal' in common situations related to eating. It can refer to breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This term is appropriate in any context when talking about food.

Grammar pattern

meal + (as a noun)

Memory hint

Think of 'meal' like 'seal' - a seal munching on a fish during dinner time.

Collocations

  • big
  • filling
  • heavy
  • big
  • filling
  • heavy

Synonyms

  • dinner
  • lunch
  • breakfast
  • feast
  • repast

Antonyms

  • snack
  • fast

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'meals' - forgetting to use the correct plural form when talking about more than one.
  • Using 'meal' as a verb - 'meal' is only a noun.
  • Saying 'have a meal' but using it incorrectly in phrases where 'eat' is more appropriate.