Meal Meaning
Meal Definition & Usage
A set of food served as the main event in a dining experience, typically consumed at a specific time of day.
Examples
- "We had a hearty meal of roast beef and mashed potatoes last night."
- "For dinner, I’m thinking about making a light meal, like soup and salad."
- "He skipped breakfast but had a large meal for lunch to make up for it."
- "I can’t wait for the Thanksgiving meal; it’s always so filling."
- "She prepared a delicious meal for her guests at the dinner party."
A figurative or symbolic representation of sustenance, an experience, or an event that is perceived as nourishing or fulfilling.
Examples
- "The presentation was a real meal for the mind, full of insightful ideas."
- "He offered her a meal of love and comfort when she was feeling down."
- "After a long day at work, a quiet walk in the park felt like a meal for the soul."
- "The documentary provided a meal for the eyes, showcasing stunning visuals of the city."
- "This book is a meal for the imagination, offering a rich feast of creativity."
To eat or consume food, typically in a casual or non-formal manner.
Examples
- "They’re all going to meal at the food court after school."
- "Let’s just meal some pizza while we watch the game."
- "He’s always the first to meal when there's a party."
- "I don’t feel like cooking tonight. Let’s just meal something quick."
- "We’ve been mealin' for hours at this buffet!"
Cultural Context
Meals have long been central to human socialization, with communal dining practices emerging in various cultures throughout history. The structure of meals has evolved, with certain meal types—like breakfast, lunch, and dinner—becoming culturally standardized, although many cultures observe different customs regarding meal times and sizes.
A Meal for Every Mood
Story
A Meal for Every Mood
It was a cold Saturday afternoon when Lily decided to cook something special for her friends. The house was warm, the scent of garlic and rosemary filling the air as she prepared the meal. Her kitchen looked like a small, cozy restaurant, with plates of steaming food waiting to be served. As her friends arrived, the conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and the clinking of silverware on porcelain. The meal, a carefully crafted combination of roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, and fresh bread, was just the start of the evening's feast. But the meal wasn't just about the food. It was a chance for everyone to reconnect, to nourish not just their bodies but their spirits. For Mark, it was a much-needed escape from his busy work life, a time to unwind and share stories. For Sarah, it was the comfort of being around friends who understood her after a difficult week. And for Lily, it was an opportunity to offer something more than just sustenance—to offer love, care, and a little bit of joy. As they dug into the delicious spread, Sarah leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile on her face. 'This feels like a meal for the soul,' she said, taking another bite of the chicken. Mark chuckled, adding, 'Yeah, it's not just food; it's an experience.' The group shared a knowing look, each of them recognizing that the evening had turned into something more than just dinner—it had become a celebration of friendship, a symbolic meal that filled them up in ways that went beyond the stomach. Later in the evening, as dessert was served—a rich chocolate cake—Lily thought about how meals could mean different things to different people. For her, tonight's meal was a moment of connection, a way to give something to those she cared about. For others, it might be a simple way to feed their hunger. But for all of them, it was more than just a meal. It was a moment in time, a shared experience that would nourish their memories for years to come.
