Search Dictionary
Definition of meal

meal

/miːl/
meal

Plural:meals
JUMP TO:

meal Lexical Profile

meal Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The food eaten or prepared for a specific eating occasion, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Example

"We enjoyed a delicious three-course meal at the new Italian restaurant."


2

An occasion or designated time when people sit down to eat.

Example

"They decided to discuss the business proposal over a formal evening meal."


3

The edible part of a grain or pulse ground to a coarse powder, typically less finely ground than flour.

Example

"The baker mixed the oat meal with warm water and honey to prepare the dough."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for meal

Word Nuance & Usage

The word functions as a countable noun when referring to a dining occasion or the food served (e.g., 'three meals a day'), but operates as an uncountable noun when referring to ground grain (e.g., 'a sack of cornmeal').

• Rhymes for meal

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from two distinct Old English roots: 'mǣl' meaning a fixed time or occasion for eating (from Proto-Germanic *mēlą), and 'melu' meaning ground grain (from Proto-Germanic *melwą, related to grinding).

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Meal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/meal
Wordmom is your complete guide to the English language. Whether you're looking up a definition, searching for the perfect synonym, or unscrambling letters for a word game, our comprehensive suite of tools is designed to help you find the right word, every time.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE®, Words With Friends®, Wordle®, and related game titles or tournament codes are registered trademarks of their respective owners (including Hasbro, Mattel, Zynga, The New York Times, NASPA, and WESPA). Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes, not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by these entities. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use for compatibility.