Meal

Definition

Meal is a noun that refers to an occasion when food is eaten, usually at a specific time and typically including multiple courses. It can also mean coarsely ground grain, often used as animal feed or in cooking.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /miːl/
• Respelling: meel

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /miːl/
• Respelling: meel

Etymology

The word "meal" originates from Old English "mǣl," meaning "fixed time" or "measure," which later evolved to denote a specific time for eating. Its second meaning, referring to ground grain, comes from the Old English "melu," meaning "meal" or "flour."

Derivatives

• Mealtime (noun)
• Mealworm (noun)
• Mealplan (noun)
• Overmeal (adjective, archaic)
• Meal-like (adjective)

Synonyms

• Feast
• Supper
• Repast

Antonyms

• Famine
• Starvation
• None

Usage

The term "meal" is commonly used to describe regular eating occasions or specific culinary servings. Examples include "Breakfast is the first meal of the day," and "Corn meal is used in baking."

Related Terms

• Diet: The food consumed by a person or animal.
• Snack: A small portion of food eaten between meals.
• Course: A single part of a larger meal.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An occasion for eating food: Refers to specific times designated for consuming food, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
  • Example: "The family sat together for the evening meal."
• Coarsely ground grain: Refers to processed grains used as animal feed or for culinary purposes.
  • Example: "Corn meal is used in many traditional recipes."