What does postprandial mean?
Postprandial is an elegant adjective for anything happening or associated with the time after a meal. It is often used for conversation, drinks, speeches, gatherings, and other activities that follow dining, giving them a slightly formal or socially polished character. Although the word can sound ceremonial or humorous, it is not limited to special occasions: it can describe an ordinary after-dinner conversation just as readily as a formal banquet speech. The prefix post- means “after,” while the word’s second element comes from Latin prandium, meaning “a meal” or “breakfast.” Together they create a precise term for a part of the day that English often describes only through the longer phrase “after a meal.”
adjectiveHappening, occurring, or taking place after a meal. The term is also used of the period following a meal and of things associated with that period.
- Occurring or taking place after a meal.
- Relating to the period following a meal, such as postprandial refreshments or conversation.
"They gathered for postprandial conversation on the terrace."
"The host offered postprandial drinks on the lawn."
"A postprandial walk helped settle their conversation."
Postprandial is the ideal word for a formal speech that begins just after the plates have been cleared.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How postprandial is actually used
The word is somewhat formal and literary, though it is also used humorously. It is especially associated with the period after dinner and with social customs surrounding meals.
Easily confused with postprandial
Postprandial means occurring after a meal, whereas preprandial means occurring before one.
Prandial refers broadly to meals or dining, while postprandial specifically describes what happens after a meal.