midday meal

/ˌmɪdˈdeɪ miːl/

noun phrase★Intermediate

◆ What It Really Means

Not applicable; the phrase is literal.

¶ Literal Meaning

A meal eaten around noon or early afternoon.

Literal Breakdown

middaythe middle of the day+meala portion of food eaten at one time

◇ Mental Image

A meal enjoyed in the middle of the day, often in a relaxed or social setting.

◈ When to Use

A family in Spain gathers for a midday meal, which includes multiple courses and lasts for several hours.

◉ Cultural Note

In some cultures, the midday meal is a time for rest and socializing, while in others, it is a quick meal before returning to work.

formal

The main meal of the day, typically eaten around noon or early afternoon, especially in cultures where this is the largest or most important meal.

In many Mediterranean countries, the midday meal is the largest and most social meal of the day.

Schools often provide a midday meal to ensure children receive proper nutrition.

💡

In some cultures, this meal is also called 'lunch,' though 'midday meal' may imply a more substantial or culturally significant meal.

Collocations

have a midday mealto eat the main meal around noonprepare a midday mealto cook or arrange the main meal for midday

midday breakphrase

a short rest or pause around noon, often associated with eating

midday siestaphrase

a short nap taken after the midday meal, common in some cultures

In some cultures, the midday meal is the most important meal of the day, while in others, it is a lighter meal.

Use 'midday meal' in formal or cultural contexts, while 'lunch' is more casual.

Combination of 'midday' (the middle of the day) and 'meal' (a portion of food eaten at one time).

The term 'midday meal' is more commonly used in formal or cultural contexts, while 'lunch' is the everyday term in many English-speaking countries.

midday

the middle of the day, around noon

root

meal

a portion of food eaten at one time

root

English Dictionary