Definition of the word dinner time

The term "dinner time" has its origins in the Middle English language, dating back to the 14th century. During this time, our modern meal known as "dinner" was less prominent than the midday meal, known as "lunch" or "dinner of the sun." Instead, the largest meal of the day was typically consumed around mid-afternoon, often referred to as "talbot" or "merie meal." As the social and economic climates changed, so too did meal times. The working classes began to adopt a more traditional eating schedule, breaking their day into two main meals: breakfast and dinner. The word "dinner" itself is derived from the Old English word "disnan," which simply meant "break peace" or "cease work." By the 19th century, the concept of "dinner time" had become more standardized, as the rise of industrialization led to more people working outside the home. This necessitated the adoption of convenient meal times, leading to the shift of the largest meal of the day from mid-afternoon to the evening hours. Today, "dinner time" is universally understood to refer to the evening meal, typically consumed between 5:00 and 7:00 pm, although the precise time can vary by culture, preference, and lifestyle.