dinner

[ din-er ]

noun

1. the main meal of the day, eaten in the evening or at midday.
2. a formal meal in honor of some person or occasion.
3. table d'hôte.

dinner

/ ˈdɪnə /

noun

1. a meal taken in the evening
2. a meal taken at midday, esp when it is the main meal of the day; lunch
3. 1. a formal evening meal, as of a club, society, etc
   2. a public banquet in honour of someone or something
4. a complete meal at a fixed price in a restaurant; table d'hôte
5. modifier of, relating to, or used at dinner

   dinner table

   dinner hour

   dinner plate

6. do like a dinner informal.
   usually passive to do for, overpower, or outdo

Other Words From

• dinner·less adjective
• pre·dinner noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dinner¹

1250–1300; Middle English diner < Old French disner (noun use of v.); dine

Word History and Origins

Origin of dinner¹

C13: from Old French disner; see dine

Example Sentences

Authorities say the two were struck on their way to dinner around 9:50 p.m. by a Mercedes-Benz GT63 that had been speeding west on Sherman Way alongside a Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

From Los Angeles Times

But those are the big, flashy moments and the day-to-day stuff — How often do you go to dinner with your friends?

From Los Angeles Times

After a hard day’s work, it is time for dinner.

From BBC

He insisted on taking her out to dinner at a barbecue restaurant on La Brea Avenue to repay her for her help.

From Los Angeles Times

He said he lost some conservative friends at the time who were no longer willing to join him for lunch or come to his house for dinner.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• banquet
• feast
• supper