Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index

Meal

A meal is an instance of eating, specifically one that takes place at a specific time and includes specific, prepared foodstuffs.

Meals

Eating utensils

Food is often eaten from individual plates or bowls, though in some cultures people eat from a common one. For some small pieces of food that can be held in the hand easily, e.g. cookies, it is more widespread to eat from a common plate or biscuit tin, etc.

In some religions people pray before starting eating. In some cultures, it is considered rude to start eating before everyone sitting at chairs.

A picnic is an outdoor meal, where one brings one's food such as sandwich and it usually takes place in parks or forest.

Meals are served at home, restaurants and cafeteria. Meals are usually conjectured with occasions such as birthday parties, wedding banquet.

Colleges and universites require their students to choose certain meal plan.

See also food, potluck, restaurant.


Meal is coarsely ground grain or other seed, coarser than flour.