What is it called when you eat at 5pm?

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

Historically, meal names have shifted dramatically over time, with dinner once being the midday meal for many. So, what is it called when you eat at 5pm today? The answer depends heavily on your region, family background, and the formality of the meal, with 'dinner' or 'supper' being the most common terms.

Quick Summary

The name for a 5pm meal varies by region and tradition, but 'supper' is often used for a lighter, informal evening meal, while 'dinner' can refer to a more substantial or formal one. The distinction has blurred over time, particularly in the US, but remains a notable linguistic and cultural quirk.

Key Points

Supper is a common term for a 5pm meal: The word 'supper' traditionally refers to a lighter, less formal evening meal and is often used for meals eaten between 5 and 7 p.m.
'Dinner' can also be correct: For many, the main evening meal is called 'dinner', and a 5pm meal is simply an early dinner.
Regional variations play a major role: In parts of the US, especially rural areas, 'dinner' traditionally meant the midday meal, making a 5pm meal 'supper'.
Context and formality are key: The distinction between supper and dinner often depends on the formality and size of the meal, with supper being more casual.
'Tea' is another possibility: In the UK, particularly among the working class, 'tea' can refer to the cooked evening meal eaten around 5pm or 6pm.
Meal names evolved with society: The historical shift of dinner from midday to evening, driven by the Industrial Revolution, caused meal names to change and overlap.

The seemingly simple question, "What is it called when you eat at 5pm?" reveals a complex tapestry of historical shifts, geographical variations, and social conventions. While for many, this early evening meal might be simply called 'dinner', for others it's unequivocally 'supper' or even 'tea'. Exploring these terms and their origins provides a fascinating glimpse into how our dining rituals have evolved.

Dinner vs. Supper: A Tale of Two Meals

The terms 'dinner' and 'supper' are often used interchangeably today for the main evening meal, but they have distinct historical roots. 'Dinner' comes from the Old French disner, meaning to 'break one's fast', and traditionally referred to the main meal of the day eaten at midday. Over time, particularly with the Industrial Revolution, the main meal shifted to the evening. 'Supper', from the Old French souper, originally meant a lighter evening meal.

Regional and Class-Based Variations

The distinction between 'dinner' and 'supper' often reflects regional and historical class differences. In parts of the American South and Midwest, 'dinner' traditionally meant the main midday meal, and 'supper' was the lighter evening meal. In the UK, 'tea' is a common term for the early evening meal, especially among the working class. These distinctions are less rigid now due to mobility and cultural blending.

The Role of Formality

The formality of the meal can also influence its name. 'Supper' is often associated with a casual, lighter meal, while 'dinner' can imply a more formal or substantial one. This can help differentiate the terms regardless of the time of day.

Is 5pm Dinner, Supper, or Something Else Entirely?

A 5pm meal falls in a transitional zone where definitions overlap. It can be called 'dinner' as an early evening meal. Alternatively, if a larger meal was eaten at midday, the 5pm meal might be a lighter 'supper'. In the UK, it could be called 'tea'. The name often depends on the meal's context, size, and purpose.

Common Meal Names and Their Timings

Here is a simple comparison of traditional meal names and their associated timings, showing how historical practice and regional variations play a role.


Meal Name	Traditional Timing (Broadly)	Notes on Usage
Breakfast	Early morning, 6-9am	Universal term for breaking the night's fast.
Lunch	Midday, 12-1pm	Midday meal, shortened from 'luncheon'.
Dinner (Traditional)	Midday	Historically the main meal, shifted later with industrialization.
Dinner (Modern)	Evening, 6-9pm	Today's most common term for the main evening meal.
Supper	Late evening (Historically)	A light, late-night snack before bed.
Supper (Modern)	Evening, 5-7pm	Can refer to a lighter, informal evening meal.
Tea (UK)	Afternoon (light snack) or Evening (cooked meal)	Can be a snack at 4pm or a cooked dinner at 6pm.
Elevenses (UK)	Mid-morning, 11am	A light snack, typically tea and a biscuit.

Why Does It Matter?

Understanding these distinctions offers insights into different lifestyles and cultural heritages. The evolution of meal names reflects social and economic changes. Recognizing these variations helps appreciate the diversity within language and traditions.

Conclusion

There's no single right answer for what a 5pm meal is called. It can be dinner, supper, or tea, depending on background and location. The most important aspect is clear communication. The blending of meal names reflects a modern society where traditions are fluid. Regardless of the name, the company often makes the meal most enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, historically there is a distinction. 'Dinner' was traditionally the main midday meal, while 'supper' was a lighter, later evening meal. Today, the terms are often used interchangeably, but 'supper' can still imply a more casual evening meal.

Historically, 'dinner' was the main meal of the day, typically eaten at midday. This tradition persists in some regions, particularly in rural and farming communities, where a large, midday meal was necessary for energy during a long workday.

In British English, especially among the working class, a cooked evening meal eaten around 5pm or 6pm is commonly referred to as 'tea'.

No, the modern three-meal-a-day pattern is a relatively recent development. Earlier societies and hunter-gatherers ate one or two main meals, with meal times and frequency largely dictated by work schedules and food availability.

The shift of 'dinner' from midday to the evening occurred primarily during the Industrial Revolution. As people moved to factory jobs with rigid schedules, they could no longer return home for a large midday meal, and the main meal was shifted to the evening after work.

'Elevenses' is a British tradition of having a mid-morning break around 11am for a cup of tea or coffee with a light snack, like a biscuit or scone.

Some research suggests that eating dinner earlier may support better metabolic function, blood sugar regulation, and weight management. Finishing dinner at least three hours before bed is often recommended for better digestion and sleep.