meal

[miːl]

meal Definition

• 1. an occasion when food is eaten, especially breakfast, lunch, or dinner
• 2. the food that is eaten on a particular occasion
• 3. a mixture of ground grain and nutrients fed to domesticated animals

Using meal: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "meal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  We had a delicious meal at the new restaurant downtown.

• Example

  I usually have a light meal for lunch.

• Example

  The meal was served with a side of vegetables.

• Example

  The farmer gave the cows a meal of corn and soybeans.

meal Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for meal

• repast
• feast
• banquet
• spread
• table

Antonyms for meal

• fast
• starvation

Idioms Using meal

• make a meal of something

  to exaggerate or overcomplicate something, often making it more difficult than it needs to be

  Example

  He made a meal of the instructions, taking twice as long to complete the task.

• eat someone's meal

  to take advantage of someone or exploit them for personal gain

  Example

  He ate her meal by stealing her idea and presenting it as his own.

• a square meal

  a nutritious and satisfying meal

  Example

  After days of eating junk food, I was craving a square meal.

Phrases with meal

• home-cooked meal

  a meal prepared and cooked at home, typically from scratch

  Example

  I miss my mom's home-cooked meals.

• three-course meal

  a meal consisting of three separate courses, typically an appetizer, main course, and dessert

  Example

  The restaurant offers a three-course meal for a fixed price.

• meal plan

  a prearranged schedule of meals, often used in the context of dieting or nutrition

  Example

  The nutritionist created a meal plan for the athlete to follow.

Origins of meal

from Old English 'mǣl', meaning 'measure, set time'

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Summary: meal in Brief

The term 'meal' [miːl] refers to an occasion when food is eaten, or the food that is eaten on a particular occasion. It can also refer to a mixture of ground grain and nutrients fed to domesticated animals. Examples include 'We had a delicious meal at the new restaurant downtown.' and 'The farmer gave the cows a meal of corn and soybeans.' Phrases like 'home-cooked meal' and idioms like 'make a meal of something' add nuance to the term.