What is dinner? Pronunciation and usage in English

dinner means . Learn how to pronounce and use dinner through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of dinner

dinnernoun

/ˈdɪnə/
Definition & pronunciation of dinner

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "dinner" in English! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈdɪnər (rhymes with "tin her")

Here's how to break it down phonetically:

  • ˈdi – This part sounds like "dee." It's a short, clear "d" sound.
  • nər – This part is tricky! It sounds like "ner," but it's a bit clipped and quick. The "r" is a post-alveolar approximant – that's the technical term for a subtle, quick "r" sound that's not as strong as the "r" in "red." It's almost like you're just letting your tongue bump lightly against the roof of your mouth.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("di").
  • Don't over-emphasize the "r": The "r" in "dinner" is very subtle. It's not a full, pronounced "r" like in "red."
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "dinner" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/dinner/ – This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce dinner" on YouTube – you'll find many videos.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you another example of a word with a similar subtle "r" sound?

Usage and examples with the word dinner in English

Let's break down how to use the word "dinner" in English. It's a really common word, but understanding its nuances is helpful.

1. Basic Definition:

  • Dinner refers to the main meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening. It's usually a more substantial meal than lunch.

2. Common Uses & Phrases:

  • "Let's have dinner." (An invitation to eat together.)
  • "I'm going to have dinner." (Expressing your intention to eat.)
  • "What are you having for dinner?" (Asking about someone’s meal plans.)
  • "Dinner was delicious!" (Commenting on the quality of a meal.)
  • "We had dinner at a restaurant." (Describing where you ate.)
  • "Dinner is at 7 pm." (Indicating the time of the meal.)
  • "Dinner party" (A social gathering centered around a meal.)
  • "Sunday dinner" (A large, traditional meal often eaten on Sundays, often involving roast meat.)

3. Formality Levels:

  • Informal: "Let's grab dinner." "What's for dinner?"
  • Formal: "We will have dinner with the Smith family." "The dinner was elegantly prepared."

4. Related Words & Phrases:

  • Dinner plate: The dish you eat from.
  • Dinner table: Where you eat.
  • Dinner party: A social gathering focused on a meal.
  • Dinner date: A date where you eat together.
  • Take out dinner: Ordering food to eat at home.
  • Leftovers from dinner: Food remaining after the meal.

5. Distinction from Lunch and Breakfast:

It's important to understand that "dinner" is distinct from "lunch" and "breakfast." Generally:

  • Breakfast: The first meal of the day (typically eaten between 6 am and 9 am).
  • Lunch: The midday meal (usually eaten between 12 pm and 2 pm).
  • Dinner: The evening meal (usually eaten between 6 pm and 8 pm, though times can vary).

Here are some example sentences to illustrate:

  • "I usually cook dinner every night."
  • "Can you help me set the dinner table?"
  • "My family enjoys a simple dinner of pasta and salad."
  • "We're celebrating with a fancy dinner at a five-star restaurant."

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain a specific situation where you’d use the word “dinner”? (e.g., “ordering dinner,” “inviting someone to dinner”)

Synonyms for the word dinner

Idioms of the word dinner

a dog’s breakfast/dinner
(British English, informal)a thing that has been done badly
  • He's made a real dog's breakfast of these accounts.
done like a dinner
(Australian English, New Zealand English, informal)completely defeated

    Practice with vocabulary dinner

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    Complete the following sentences with the most appropriate word.

    1. The CEO scheduled a business _____ with the prospective client to discuss the merger.
    2. For a healthy lifestyle, skipping any main _____ is not recommended.
    3. We're having friends over for _____ on Saturday; I'm planning to cook roast chicken.
    4. The chef's specialty is preparing exquisite Mediterranean _____.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    Select all correct answers for each question.

    1. Which of the following terms can describe a formal evening event where food is served, often for business or celebration? A. brunch B. luncheon C. gala dinner D. banquet E. supper

    2. For most people, the main evening meal is typically referred to as: A. breakfast B. lunch C. dinner D. snack E. tea (in the British sense of an afternoon meal)

    3. Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence: "We decided to go ____ dinner ____ a new Italian restaurant." A. for, at B. to, in C. out, to D. out for, at E. on, with

    4. Which term often refers to a lighter, less formal meal, typically eaten in the late evening? A. brunch B. supper C. high tea D. luncheon E. repast

    5. When a company provides food and beverages for a large event, they are typically performing what service? A. serving B. hosting C. catering D. managing E. supplying

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    Rewrite each sentence according to the instructions provided.

    1. Rewrite the sentence, using "dinner" or a related word form: The executives often convene for an important evening meal to discuss strategic plans.

    2. Rewrite the sentence, using "dinner" or a related word form: I need to prepare the evening meal for my family before 6 PM.

    3. Rewrite the sentence, without using "dinner" or "meal": Our chef specializes in dishes from the Mediterranean region, emphasizing fresh ingredients.

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. dinner
    2. meal
    3. dinner
    4. cuisine

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. C. gala dinner, D. banquet
    2. C. dinner
    3. D. out for, at
    4. B. supper
    5. C. catering

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The executives often convene for a business dinner to discuss strategic plans.
    2. I need to prepare dinner for my family before 6 PM.
    3. Our chef specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, emphasizing fresh ingredients.

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