high tea

noun

: a fairly substantial late afternoon or early evening meal at which tea is served

Examples of high tea in a Sentence

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.
Peckish is inspired by chef Tamara Hewitt’s Jamaican roots with dishes like a Jerk Sweet Potato Rice Burger and Oxtail Empanadas, as well as creative desserts and high tea. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025 The name is a bit of a misnomer, though—the dinner-only restaurant serves Italian fare and local seafood, not high tea service. Julie Tremaine, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 In the second episode, set in Dublin, the very proper Timothea (Cate Blanchett) and the independent-minded Lilith (Vicky Krieps) drive separately for their annual high tea with their successful novelist mother (Charlotte Rampling). Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2025 The British working class established high tea as a quick meal after the workday ended, often served at pubs on high tables (hence the name). Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for high tea

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of high tea was in 1831

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Cite this Entry

“High tea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/high%20tea. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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