What does nosh mean?
Nosh is an informal word for food, a snack, or a light meal, particularly one eaten between regular meals. People use it in casual settings such as offices, parties, cafés, and travel situations: someone might say they are having a quick nosh or offering a friend a nosh. The word is common in British English and is also understood in American English, although it may sound especially characteristic of British usage. Nosh has a warm, unpretentious quality, suggesting food that is simple, plentiful, or intended for relaxed circumstances rather than a formal meal. Although it can mean a particular snack or meal, it can also refer to food collectively. In everyday conversation, its brevity makes it useful when the exact kind of food is not important.
nounAn informal term for a meal, snack, or other food, especially something eaten between meals or as a light meal. It can also refer to food in general.
- An informal word for a meal, snack, or light meal, especially one eaten between regular meals.
- Food in general, particularly when considered as something to eat.
"Let's grab a quick nosh before the meeting starts."
"We had a nosh at the café while waiting for the train."
"The party was informal, with drinks and nosh served throughout the afternoon."
The plural is noshes, typically used when referring to separate snacks or light meals.
"The children ate several noshes between classes."
Nosh entered English from Yiddish and brought with it the relaxed idea that eating can be a small, satisfying moment rather than a formal meal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nosh come from?
Nosh comes from the Yiddish word nushl, meaning food or a meal. Yiddish borrowed the term from a Germanic word meaning nourishment or food, with the sense developing toward provisions and a meal. The English word entered use in the 19th century in British English, where it became especially associated with an informal snack or light meal. Its modern vocabulary relatives include nosher, meaning a person who eats or likes eating, and noshy, an informal adjective describing food that is appealing or appetizing.
Related word forms
How nosh is actually used
Informal and especially common in British English, though also used in American English. It often has a friendly, casual tone and can refer to food between meals or to a simple meal.
Easily confused with nosh
Nosh means food or a light meal, whereas nash is a type of cereal grain and its products.