What does supper mean?
Supper is a word for an evening meal, especially one eaten after the day's main meal or as a simple final meal. It is widely understood in British and American English and is often associated with a relaxed, domestic occasion involving family or friends. A meal described as supper may be more modest or informal than a formal dinner, as in “a light supper” or “supper is ready,” though the distinction is not absolute. The word can also refer to the evening meal in a traditional or nostalgic sense, evoking hospitality and shared conversation. Because it clearly identifies the time and character of a meal without demanding that it be elaborate, supper remains a useful and expressive part of everyday vocabulary.
An evening meal, especially one eaten after the day's main meal or as a light final meal.
"We had supper early and then walked through the village."
Often more informal or domestic than dinner; the exact distinction varies by region and household.
To provide supper for someone or to eat supper.
"The hostess suppered her guests after the long journey."
Now literary, archaic, or regional rather than common in standard everyday speech.
The plural is used when referring to separate evening meals or occasions.
"The family shared several suppers with friends during the summer."
Supper can suggest more than an ordinary meal: it often evokes an unhurried evening shared with family or friends.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does supper come from?
Supper comes through Middle English from Old French souper, meaning “to eat supper” or “supper.” The Old French word is related to Latin superare, which had meanings including “to go above” and “to eat a meal,” ultimately connected with the Latin root super, meaning “above” or “over.” The English noun developed in the Middle English period and has remained the standard term for an evening meal.
Related word forms
How supper is actually used
Supper is common in British and American English, but in many English-speaking communities it is more customary than dinner for the evening meal. The word can sound traditional, domestic, or informal, especially when referring to a family meal.
Easily confused with supper
Dinner usually means the principal meal of the day, whereas supper often suggests a lighter or later evening meal, though the distinction varies by household and region.