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  1. Home /
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  3. English Dictionary /
  4. supper

supper

/ˈsʌpər/
evening meal

We had a quiet supper together after the movie.

They ate dinner together in a relaxed way after watching a film.


informal

A light evening meal, typically eaten after dinner or as a substitute for dinner

The children had a simple supper of sandwiches and fruit.

The kids ate a basic meal of sandwiches and fruit in the evening.

We skipped dinner and just had a late supper at the café.

They didn't eat dinner and instead had a late meal at the café.

In some regions, 'supper' is used interchangeably with 'dinner,' but traditionally it refers to a lighter or later meal.

Collocations

have supperto eat the evening mealsupper timethe time when supper is eatensupper tablethe table where supper is served

Synonyms

dinnerevening mealnight meal

Antonyms

breakfastlunch

Related Phrases

supper clubphrase
a nightclub or restaurant where supper is served
supper partyphrase
a social gathering where supper is served

Pro Tip

Regional Differences

In some regions, 'supper' is used for a light meal after dinner, while in others, it means the main evening meal.

Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal

Use 'supper' in informal contexts; 'dinner' is more formal for the main evening meal.

Word Origin

From Middle English 'sopere,' meaning 'evening meal,' derived from Old French 'souper,' from Latin 'suppare' (to eat in the evening).

Usage Notes

In American English, 'supper' is often used interchangeably with 'dinner,' while in British English, it may refer to a lighter meal after dinner.

Word Breakdown

sup
to eat or drink
root
+
-per
evening
suffix
English Dictionary
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