What is the number three meal and its cultural significance?

October 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Merriam-Webster, 'dinner' is defined as the 'principal meal of the day,' while 'supper' is often considered the evening meal, especially if dinner is taken at midday. This semantic complexity makes the question of what is the number three meal fascinating and culturally revealing.

Quick Summary

The third meal of the day is most commonly known as dinner or supper, though its name and timing have varied significantly across cultures and history. The shift from a midday 'dinner' to an evening one was largely influenced by the Industrial Revolution, standardizing the modern three-meal structure of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Key Points

Name Varies by Region: The third meal is most commonly called dinner or supper, with regional differences impacting usage, especially between the American coasts and the Midwest.
Industrial Revolution's Impact: The standardization of the three-meal schedule and the shift of the main meal from midday to evening was largely driven by the Industrial Revolution.
Cultural Class Indicators: Historically, whether the main meal was called dinner and eaten at noon or evening could signal social class differences.
Health and Timing: Modern nutritional science emphasizes meal content and timing, with lighter, earlier evening meals often recommended for better health outcomes.
Evolving Meal Patterns: Contemporary eating habits are moving towards more flexible schedules, with some favoring fewer, larger meals while others prefer multiple smaller ones throughout the day.
Global Variations: Different cultures have vastly different patterns and names for their evening meals, showcasing the social and cultural construction of mealtime.
Dinner as the Main Event: 'Dinner' traditionally refers to the main or largest meal of the day, regardless of when it's consumed.

The concept of a structured three-meal-a-day eating pattern is relatively modern, primarily solidifying during the Industrial Revolution. For centuries before this, eating habits were more irregular and class-dependent. Understanding what the number three meal is today requires an exploration of historical eating habits, societal changes, and regional variations.

The Evolution of the Third Meal: From Dinner to Supper

Historically, the main meal of the day was typically eaten around midday and called 'dinner'. The evening meal was a lighter affair, often called 'supper.' This tradition was common, especially in rural or working-class settings where the main, heavy meal was taken at noon, during a break from labor.

The Industrial Revolution dramatically altered this pattern. As people moved to cities and worked longer, standardized hours in factories and offices, they could no longer return home for a substantial midday meal. Consequently, the lighter midday meal became 'lunch,' and the larger, more formal meal shifted to the evening when workers returned home. This established 'dinner' as the standard evening meal for many, especially in urban areas and among higher social classes.

Regional and Class-Based Variations

The persistence of regional differences explains why the third meal is still not uniformly named. In parts of the American South and Midwest, for instance, the terms 'dinner' and 'supper' are still used in their historical context, with 'dinner' at midday and 'supper' in the evening. In contrast, on the coasts, 'lunch' and 'dinner' are the standard. British English adds another layer, with 'tea' sometimes referring to the evening meal, particularly among the working class.

Nutritional Significance of the Third Meal

Regardless of its name, the evening meal plays a crucial role in daily nutrition. Health experts often emphasize the importance of the content and timing of meals rather than just the frequency. A well-balanced evening meal is essential for replenishing energy stores, aiding in muscle repair, and providing sustained nutrients overnight. Eating too late or consuming heavy, calorie-dense foods just before bed has been linked to negative health outcomes.

Here’s a comparison of traditional evening meal patterns:


Feature	American Dinner	Southern US Supper	British Tea	Mediterranean Dinner
Timing	Typically 7-9 p.m.	Typically 6-7 p.m.	Typically 5-6 p.m.	Typically 9-10 p.m. or later
Formality	Often the most formal meal of the day.	More informal, family-style.	Can range from informal to more formal.	A social, multi-course affair.
Typical Food	Varies widely, from single-plate meals to multiple courses.	Often a simpler, comforting meal; sometimes lighter than midday dinner.	A mix of light fare like sandwiches and cakes, or a full cooked meal.	Lighter main dishes to accommodate the late hour.
Significance	Social and family gathering.	Comfort food, end of day ritual.	Afternoon snack or early evening meal.	Main social event of the day.

Modern Approaches to the Third Meal

Modern nutritional science has shifted away from rigid rules, focusing instead on meal content and timing relative to circadian rhythms. Many health recommendations suggest an early, lighter evening meal to support healthy digestion and sleep. Some also advocate for intermittent fasting, which could mean skipping the evening meal entirely or reducing its size and timing. The key takeaway is flexibility, with an emphasis on nutrient-dense foods and mindful eating.

The Future of Meal Patterns

The names and timings of our meals continue to evolve. Global influences, flexible work schedules, and a deeper understanding of nutrition are changing how and when we eat. The rigid three-meal structure is being challenged by more frequent, smaller meals or flexible eating windows. The number three meal, whether you call it dinner, supper, or tea, remains a cornerstone of our day, but its form is more fluid than ever before.

To explore the broader historical context of this evolution, you can read more about how the industrial revolution reshaped meal patterns at The New Daily.

Conclusion

The question of what is the number three meal is not as simple as it seems, as the answer is heavily dependent on historical context, geography, and personal custom. While 'dinner' is the most common term in many Western societies for the evening meal, regional variations like 'supper' or 'tea' persist. The rise of industrialization cemented the modern three-meal schedule, shifting the main meal to the evening. Today, the focus has moved from rigid timing to mindful eating and nutrient content, but the social and nutritional importance of the final meal of the day remains strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Historically, dinner was the main meal of the day, eaten midday, while supper was a lighter evening meal. Today, especially in urban areas, dinner is commonly the evening meal, and supper is often used as a synonym or for a light, late-night snack.

This shift is largely attributed to the Industrial Revolution, which introduced standardized working hours. Workers could not go home for a large meal at midday, so lunch became the lighter noon meal, and dinner, the main meal, was moved to the evening.

Nutritional science suggests there is no single 'best' meal frequency. The focus should be on the quality and content of the meals, as well as maintaining a balanced approach to energy intake throughout the day.

In British culture, 'tea' can refer to a light afternoon snack with a hot beverage or, particularly in some working-class traditions, the evening meal. This adds a layer of regional and social complexity to mealtime naming.

Yes, some studies suggest that consuming a larger portion of daily calories later in the evening is linked to increased glucose levels and other health risks. Eating earlier and leaving a long window without food can support digestive rest.

The name and timing of the third meal vary globally. For example, in many Latin American and Southern European countries, the evening meal is typically eaten much later than in the US. Chinese culture also has variations, with 'dinner' or 'supper' (晚饭) being the standard term.

Whether it's okay to skip a meal depends on individual health goals and body needs. Some people follow intermittent fasting, which involves skipping certain meals. For others, eating a balanced evening meal is crucial for maintaining energy and nutrient levels.