Search Dictionary
Definition of elevenses

elevenses

/ɪˈlɛv.ən.zɪz/
e · lev · en · ses
Plural:elevenses
JUMP TO:

elevenses Lexical Profile

elevenses Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British A light mid-morning snack or refreshment, typically consisting of tea or coffee and biscuits or cake, taken around eleven o'clock in the morning.

Example

"We paused our gardening mid-morning to enjoy a quick cup of tea and a scone for elevenses."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for elevenses

Word Nuance & Usage

Although plural in form (reflecting a double plural of 'eleven'), 'elevenses' is most commonly treated as a singular uncountable noun in modern British usage, though plural agreement is also attested.

• Nearby Words

elevator
eleven
elevenfold
elevenses
eleventh
elf
elfin

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in late 19th-century British dialect from the number 'eleven' (referring to 11 o'clock in the morning) with a double plural ending '-s-es'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Elevenses. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/elevenses
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.