mealtime

noun

meal·​time ˈmēl-ˌtīm 

variants or less commonly meal time

plural mealtimes also meal times

: the time when a meal is eaten

Take one pill at mealtime.

also : a usual or expected time for eating a meal

The two children have different mealtimes.

If … there's another hour left before your meal time, consider a small snack.

—Max Pemberton and Courtney Raspin

Examples of mealtime in a Sentence

Take one pill at mealtime.

The two children have different mealtimes.

Recent Examples on the Web

From creating a cozy space at home and keeping grooming routines on track to getting ready for weekend road trips and simplifying mealtime, small swaps can make a big difference. — Jessica Moore, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026

Families can begin the transition back to school two or three weeks before classes start by gradually adjusting sleep schedules, mealtimes and daily routines. — Jennifer Durocher, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

The song and video aim to build understanding and empathy, showing that mealtimes can look different for every family. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 5 Aug. 2026

However, don’t count on them answering during busy summer days or around mealtimes on weekends. — Marti Buckley, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mealtime

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• meantime
• nighttime
• noontime

Kids Definition

mealtime

noun

meal·​time ˈmēl-ˌtīm 

: the usual time at which a meal is served