Definition of "dinner" in English

noun

1. The main meal of the day, often eaten in the evening.

   • I want to cook dinner.

2. An evening meal.

   • I had some friends to dinner two nights ago.

3. A midday meal (in a context in which the evening meal is called supper or tea).

   • It was already late for school, so the boy took his time and only arrived in the village when Heidi came home for dinner. […] "Come to the table now and eat with us. Then you can go up with Heidi, and when you bring her back at night, you can get your supper here."

4. A meal given to an animal.

   • Give the dog its dinner.

5. A formal meal for many people eaten for a special occasion.

   • My family gathers twice a year, namely at Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners.

6. (uncountable) The food provided or consumed at any such meal.

verb

1. (intransitive) To eat a dinner; to dine.

2. (transitive) To provide (someone) with a dinner; to dine.

   • 1887, Caroline Emily Cameron, A Devout Lover, London: F.V. White & Co., Volume 1, Chapter 11, p. 181, She had taken her about to concerts and exhibitions—she had dinnered her at the Colonies, and suppered her at the New Club.