What is meal? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of meal

mealnoun

/miːl/
Definition & pronunciation of meal

The word "meal" is pronounced miːl (pronounced like "meet" but with a shorter "ee" sound).

Here's a breakdown:

  • miːl: The "ea" is pronounced like the "ee" in "meet" or "see."
  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("mi").

You can hear it pronounced here: https://www.dictionary.com/pronounce/meal

Would you like me to give you some other words to practice?

Usage and examples with the word meal in English

Let's break down how to use the word "meal" in English. It's a very common word, but it has some specific nuances.

1. Basic Definition:

  • A meal is a substantial portion of food eaten at one time. It's more than just a snack.

2. Types of Meals:

  • Breakfast: The first meal of the day (e.g., “I had a quick breakfast of cereal and milk.”)
  • Lunch: The midday meal (e.g., “Let’s grab lunch at the cafe.”).
  • Dinner: The evening meal (e.g., “We’re having dinner with the family tonight.”)
  • Supper: (More common in British English) – Often used interchangeably with dinner.
  • Snack: A small meal or portion of food eaten between meals (e.g., “I had a snack of fruit and yogurt.”)

3. Using "Meal" as a Noun:

Here are some ways to use "meal" as a noun, with examples:

  • Referring to a specific event: “They organized a fundraising meal for the local animal shelter.”
  • Describing the quantity of food: “It was a hearty meal – I was so full afterwards.”
  • Talking about the arrangement of a meal: “We’re having a buffet meal.” “A formal meal requires proper etiquette.”
  • Referring to a planned meal: "I need to plan my meals for the week."
  • As part of a phrase:
    • Take a meal: "I'm going to take a meal to my grandmother."
    • A hot meal: "She cooked a hot meal for us."
    • A light meal: “I opted for a light meal of salad.”
    • A homemade meal: “It was lovely to eat a homemade meal.”

4. Using "Meal" as a Verb (Less Common):

  • To meal (something): This means to prepare or organize a meal. This usage is less frequent.
    • “She meals for her family every Sunday.” (Meaning: She prepares meals.)

5. Examples in Sentences:

  • “I usually eat a large breakfast before work.”
  • “Could you please clear the table after the meal?”
  • “The restaurant served a delicious seafood meal.”
  • “We had a simple, home-cooked meal.”
  • “Let’s plan our meals around what’s on sale at the grocery store.”

6. Formal vs. Informal:

  • "Meal" is generally appropriate in most contexts.
  • You might use more casual words like "food" or "dinner/lunch/breakfast" in everyday conversation.

To help me give you even more specific guidance, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "meal" in? (e.g., "I'm writing a story," "I'm having a conversation," "I'm looking for a different word.")

Synonyms for the word meal

Idioms of the word meal

make a meal of something
(informal)to spend a lot of time, energy, etc. doing something in a way that other people think is unnecessary and/or annoying
  • Why do you have to make such a meal of everything?
a square meal
a good meal that satisfies your hunger
  • He looks as though he hasn't had a square meal for weeks.

Practice with vocabulary meal

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The catered lunch was an elaborate ________ provided for all conference attendees.
  2. Preparing a nutritious ________ takes planning and often involves fresh ingredients.
  3. Her signature ________, a saffron risotto, won first prize at the culinary competition.
  4. Adhering to a balanced ________ is essential for long-term health and well-being.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words can describe a complete eating event, typically with several courses, served at a specific time? A) appetizer B) collation C) banquet D) meal E) dish

  2. The company provides a complimentary hot _______ for all employees during the conference. A) serving B) provision C) meal D) course

  3. Which words can describe a planned occasion for consuming food? A) collation B) fare C) meal D) repast E) nourishment

  4. Which of these words best describes the type of food characteristic of a particular country or region? A) cuisine B) dish C) diet D) fare

  5. Which word is most appropriate for a small portion of food eaten quickly, often between main eating times? A) provisions B) ration C) snack D) sustenance

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: We always eat dinner together as a family on Sundays. Rewrite: Our family always shares a Sunday evening ________ together.

  2. Original: The hotel provides all food and drinks throughout the day. Rewrite: The hotel offers full-board service, including all daily ________.

  3. Original: Employees are allowed a short break to consume something light in the afternoon. Rewrite: Employees are allowed a short break for afternoon ________.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. meal
  2. meal
  3. dish
  4. diet

Exercise 2:

  1. C) banquet, D) meal
  2. C) meal
  3. A) collation, C) meal, D) repast
  4. A) cuisine
  5. C) snack

Exercise 3:

  1. Our family always shares a Sunday evening meal together.
  2. The hotel offers full-board service, including all daily meals.
  3. Employees are allowed a short break for afternoon refreshments.

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