What does suppertime mean?
Suppertime means the time set or traditionally kept for supper, the evening meal. It can refer either to a specific household arrangement, as when a family eats at a regular hour, or to the conventional part of the evening when that meal is expected. The word is now literary, traditional, or somewhat old-fashioned, though it remains readily understandable in British and American English. It often creates a calm, domestic, or nostalgic atmosphere, suggesting routine, hospitality, and a family gathering around the evening meal. In conversation, people are more likely to say “dinnertime” or simply “supper,” but suppertime is useful in historical and descriptive writing because it emphasizes the time associated with a meal rather than the meal itself.
nounThe time appointed for supper, especially the evening hour when the day's main meal is eaten.
- The appointed or customary time for eating supper.
"The family gathered by the fire at suppertime and discussed the events of the day."
"By suppertime, the table had been set and everyone was ready to eat."
"The village bell rang at suppertime, calling the families home."
Usually used as a singular noun; the plural is rare and normally refers to separate occasions or scheduled times.
"The program listed three suppertimes, with a discussion following each meal."
Suppertime preserves the old-fashioned image of a household gathering together for the evening meal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does suppertime come from?
Suppertime is an English compound formed from “supper” and “time.” “Supper” comes through Old French souper, ultimately from Latin supare, meaning “to take a light meal,” while “time” descends from Old English tīma. The compound developed in English during the period when supper was commonly the principal evening meal and a fixed social and household occasion.
How suppertime is actually used
The word is more literary or traditional than modern everyday usage. It is often used in narrative or historical writing, especially in British English.