meal

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈmēl 

1

: an act or the time of eating a portion of food to satisfy appetite

2

: the portion of food eaten at a meal

meal

2 of 3

noun (2)

1

: the usually coarsely ground and unbolted seeds of a cereal grass or pulse

especially : cornmeal

2

: a product resembling seed meal especially in particle size or texture

-meal

3 of 3

adverb combining form

: by a (specified) portion or measure at a time

piecemeal

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• chow
• feed
• menu
• mess
• refection
• repast
• table

Examples of meal in a Sentence

Noun (1)

all she wants to do is sit quietly after the large Thanksgiving meal

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The rate includes transfers to and from Paris, all meals and wine (onboard and ashore), daily tours, and a dedicated crew. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 May 2024

Transportation from and to San Jose, three meals, afternoon coffee and treats, and a range of on-site activities are also included in the rates. —Anne Olivia Bauso, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2024

New Nutrition Guidelines: School meals will soon contain less salt and sugar, but can still include chocolate milk, under new nutrition guidelines released by the Biden administration. —Bernard Mokam Gabriela Bhaskar, New York Times, 11 May 2024

Many of us understood the importance of dedicating hours to engaging with the campers, understanding their stories and embracing their rhythms of life—the usual meal times, music breaks, and downtime routines—and discerning the subtle cues that would foretell impending trouble. —Hoda Sherif, TIME, 10 May 2024

The lucky individual who finds the medallion will receive a complimentary meal for four people at the café, along with the $1,500 grand prize. —Claudia Levens, Journal Sentinel, 10 May 2024

After a delicious meal, lie down for a cat nap outside on this oceanic accent pillow. —Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 10 May 2024

Caprese salad can be served as a show-stopping appetizer or side dish or as a light meal with crusty artisan bread. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 9 May 2024

In the show, the audience is invited to a world where playing with your food is an important part of each meal. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 30 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English meel appointed time, meal, from Old English mǣl; akin to Old High German māl time, Latin metiri to measure — more at measure

Noun (2)

Middle English mele, from Old English melu; akin to Old High German melo meal, Latin molere to grind, Greek mylē mill

Adverb combining form

Middle English -mele, from Old English -mǣlum, from mǣlum, dative plural of mǣl

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing meal

• a meal in itself
• fish meal
• Indian meal
• make a meal (out) of
• matzo meal
• meal ticket
• midday meal
• pre-meal
• square meal

Kids Definition

meal

1 of 2 noun

ˈmēl 

1

: the food eaten or prepared for eating at one time

2

: the act or time of eating a meal

meal

2 of 2 noun

1

: ground seeds of a cereal grass

especially : cornmeal

2

: something like meal especially in texture

Etymology

Noun

Old English mæl "appointed time, meal"

Noun

Old English melu "ground grain"

Medical Definition

meal

noun

ˈmē(ə)l 

: the portion of food taken at one time to satisfy appetite