The last meal of the day is most commonly referred to as dinner or supper.
Common Names for the Evening Meal
For many English-speakers, the final meal of the day is broadly known as dinner or supper. These terms are often used interchangeably, regardless of the meal's size or formality. While the specific name for this meal can, in some areas, depend on its content or the specific region, dinner and supper remain the most prevalent designations.
Understanding 'Dinner' vs. 'Supper'
Historically, the terms dinner and supper have had various connotations, but in modern English usage, especially for the evening meal, they often overlap significantly.
Here's a breakdown of their common perceptions and usage:
| Term | Common Usage | Key Characteristic (General English Usage) |
|---|---|---|
| Dinner | - The main and often largest meal of the day. | Used by many English-speakers for the last meal, regardless of size. |
| - Typically eaten in the evening. | ||
| Supper | - Often a lighter or less formal meal than dinner. | Used by many English-speakers for the last meal, regardless of size. |
| - Can be eaten later in the evening, sometimes after an earlier "dinner." | Often interchangeable with "dinner" for the evening meal. |
Regional and Contextual Variations
While dinner and supper are widely understood and used interchangeably by many, it's worth noting that regional dialects and specific contexts can sometimes influence the preferred term or its precise meaning:
- Historical Usage: In some historical or regional contexts, "dinner" might have referred to the main midday meal, with "supper" being the lighter evening meal. This distinction is less common in modern broad English usage for the last meal of the day.
- Formality: "Dinner" can sometimes imply a more formal or substantial evening meal, while "supper" might suggest something more casual or lighter. However, as noted, many speakers use them without this distinction for the last meal.
- Specific Content: In some areas, the name of the meal might depend on what is served (e.g., a "supper" could be a light snack or simple fare), but this is not a universal rule for the primary evening meal, which is often called "dinner" or "supper" regardless of its contents.
Despite these nuances, the predominant trend among English speakers is to use either dinner or supper to describe the final meal of the day, whether it's a grand feast or a modest plate.
For more information on meals, you can refer to general resources on culinary terms and daily eating habits, such as the Wikipedia page on Meals.
