mealtime

From Middle English meeltime, from Old English mǣltīma (“mealtime”), equivalent to meal +‎ time. Compare mealtide, Old English mǣltīd (“mealtime”), Dutch maaltijd (“meal”), German Mahlzeit (“meal, mealtime”), Danish måltid (“meal, mealtime”), Icelandic máltíð (“meal”), Icelandic matmálstími (“mealtime”).

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mealtime (countable and uncountable, plural mealtimes)

1. The appointed time at which a meal is served or eaten.

   Synonym: (archaic) mealtide

   My youngest son has a special cry for mealtimes.

   • 1982, Mary Ylvisaker Nilsen, “[Introduction] Brief Description of the Course”, in Tending the Family Tree: A Family-centered, Bible-based Experience for Church Groups, Minneapolis, Minn.: Winston Press, →ISBN, page 2, columns 1–2:

     Since mealtime has been the traditional setting for family interaction, Tending the Family Tree is structured to simulate that setting. We suggest that the sessions be scheduled during mealtime when the group can eat, discuss, and worship together.

   • 2011 February 4, Andy Robertson, “Playground Report on Pilotwings Resort 3DS”, in Wired‎^[1], archived from the original on 3 July 2025:

     As the 3DS gets closer to launch, and in spite of my assertions that I’ll be turning the 3D off for my youngest, I still find myself inundated with questions about the new console most mealtimes.

• breakfast-time, lunchtime, teatime, dinnertime, suppertime