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

Eliava, in contrast, was a mischievous charmer who pranked his friends, once dressing as a woman to flirt with d’Hérelle at a dinner party, and kept sketchy notes in the lab.

From Salon

That’s what Stanley Hudson was up to the morning before a dinner party he was hosting for 15 friends.

From Los Angeles Times

And at Chishuru, whose prix fixe dinner menu is priced at £95, egusi — a seed used in soup, usually served with pounded yam — flavors an ice cream accompanying a meringue sponge.

From New York Times

She told them she had made dinner and was waiting for Mr Lamba to come home, her sister said.

From BBC

Where my children now run free with cousins after Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• banquet
• feast
• supper