1
: an act or the time of eating a portion of food to satisfy appetite
2
: the portion of food eaten at a meal
1
: the usually coarsely ground and unbolted seeds of a cereal grass or pulse
especially
: cornmeal
2
: a product resembling seed meal especially in particle size or texture
-meal
3 of 3adverb combining form
: by a (specified) portion or measure at a time
piecemeal
Examples of meal in a Sentence
Noun (1)
all she wants to do is sit quietly after the large Thanksgiving meal
Recent Examples on the Web
Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026
When refueling after outdoor adventures or gym sessions, opt for meals and snacks that contain both protein and carbohydrates to support recovery.
—Emma Loewe, Outside, 1 Jan. 2026
Try baking or sautéing trout with olive oil and fresh herbs and serve it with roasted vegetables for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 31 Dec. 2025
Pull-apart rolls are great as a party appetizer, for a potluck, or even as a meal with a soup or side salad.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for meal
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Noun
Or serve them alongside your favorite cut of beef for a snowy day-steakhouse meal.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026
When refueling after outdoor adventures or gym sessions, opt for meals and snacks that contain both protein and carbohydrates to support recovery.
—Emma Loewe, Outside, 1 Jan. 2026
Try baking or sautéing trout with olive oil and fresh herbs and serve it with roasted vegetables for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 31 Dec. 2025
Pull-apart rolls are great as a party appetizer, for a potluck, or even as a meal with a soup or side salad.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for meal
Cite this Entry
“Meal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meal. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
meal
1 of 2 noun1
: the food eaten or prepared for eating at one time
2
: the act or time of eating a meal
meal
2 of 2 noun1
: ground seeds of a cereal grass
especially
: cornmeal
2
: something like meal especially in texture
Etymology
Noun
Old English mæl "appointed time, meal"
Noun
Old English melu "ground grain"
Medical Definition
meal
noun
: the portion of food taken at one time to satisfy appetite
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