first meal

/fɜːrst miːl/
noun phraseBeginner
informal

The initial meal of the day, typically breakfast, or the first meal eaten after a period without food.

After a long flight, my first meal was a delicious pasta dish.

After a long flight, my first meal was a delicious pasta dish.

The doctor advised her to eat a light first meal after the surgery.

The doctor advised her to eat a light first meal after the surgery.

💡

Often used to describe the first meal after waking up or after a period of fasting.

Collocations

first meal of the dayThe initial meal after waking up, often breakfast.first meal after surgeryThe first food consumed following a medical procedure.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

breakfastphrase
The first meal of the day, typically eaten in the morning.
fastingphrase
Abstaining from food for a period of time.

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The meaning of 'first meal' can vary based on context—whether it's breakfast, a post-surgery meal, or the first meal after a long journey.

Gold Rule

Clarity in Context

Always specify the context when using 'first meal' to avoid ambiguity, especially in medical or dietary discussions.

📖Word Origin

Combination of the adjective 'first' and the noun 'meal', indicating the initial food intake in a sequence.

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used in contexts involving health, travel, or medical recovery. Can refer to breakfast or any first meal after a period without eating.

Word Breakdown

first
The initial or earliest in a sequence.
adjective
+
meal
A portion of food eaten at one time.
noun
English Dictionary