Supper vs. Dinner — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
Supper often refers to a lighter evening meal, while dinner can denote the main meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening.
Difference Between Supper and Dinner
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In American English, the terms "Supper" and "Dinner" sometimes overlap, but they can also hold distinct meanings based on regional or cultural differences.
Historically, "Supper" was considered a lighter, later evening meal, following "Dinner", which was the substantial, primary meal of the day. Over time, especially in many parts of the U.S., "Dinner" evolved to refer to the evening meal, while "Supper" fell out of common use.
However, in some regions or among certain demographics, "Supper" remains the preferred term for the evening meal, and "Dinner" could refer to a midday meal, akin to lunch. Regardless of region, "Dinner" also holds a connotation of formality. When one thinks of a grand meal or a banquet, it's often referred to as a "Dinner", regardless of the time of day.
Meanwhile, "Supper" feels more casual, intimate, and homely, evoking images of family gatherings around the dining table. Hence, understanding the nuanced differentiation between "Supper" and "Dinner" requires consideration of context, geography, and sometimes even personal family traditions.
Comparison Chart
Typical Connotation
Lighter evening meal
Main meal of the day
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Time of Day
Often evening
Can be midday or evening
Formality
Generally more casual
Can be formal, especially for events
Regional Usage
Preferred in certain U.S. regions for evening meal
Commonly used in the U.S. for the main evening meal
Historical Context
Followed the primary meal of the day
Historically the substantial, primary meal of the day
Compare with Definitions
Supper
An evening meal, often more casual.
We always have soup for supper on Sundays.
Dinner
The main meal of the day, often in the evening.
We have dinner at 7 p.m. every night.
Supper
A later meal following dinner.
After an early dinner, we might have a light supper before bed.
Dinner
An event where food is served.
The awards dinner is next week.
Supper
An intimate meal with family or close friends.
We enjoyed a quiet supper at grandma's house.
Dinner
A substantial meal irrespective of the time.
After the hike, we had a hearty dinner.
Supper
A social gathering in the evening centered around a meal.
The community held a potluck supper at the church.
Dinner
A formal meal or feast.
They hosted a grand dinner in honor of the guest.
Supper
Supper was originally a secondary lighter evening meal. The main meal of the day, called dinner, used to be served closer to what is known as lunchtime, around the middle of the day, but crept later over the centuries, mostly over the course of the 19th century.
Dinner
A midday meal in certain regions or contexts.
On Sundays, we have a large dinner at noon.
Supper
An evening meal; dinner.
Dinner
Dinner usually refers to what is in many Western cultures the largest and most formal meal of the day, which some Westerners eat in the evening. Historically, the largest meal used to be eaten around midday, and called dinner.
Supper
A light or informal evening meal, especially when dinner is taken at midday.
Dinner
The chief meal of the day, eaten in the evening or at midday.
Supper
A light meal eaten before going to bed.
Dinner
A banquet or formal meal in honor of a person or event.
Supper
A dance or social affair where supper is served.
Dinner
The food prepared for either of these meals.
Supper
Food consumed before going to bed.
Dinner
A full-course meal served at a fixed price; table d'hôte.
Supper
Any meal eaten in the evening; dinner eaten in the evening, rather than at noon.
We normally have supper at 7.
Dinner
A midday meal in a context in which the evening meal is called supper or tea.
Supper
A meal from a chip shop consisting of a deep-fried food with chips.
A pizza supper
Dinner
The main meal of the day, often eaten in the evening.
Supper
A drinker, especially one who drinks slowly (i.e., one who sups).
Dinner
An evening meal.
I had some friends to dinner two nights ago.
Supper
To consume a snack before retiring.
Dinner
A meal given to an animal.
Give the dog its dinner.
Supper
To eat dinner (see above).
Dinner
A formal meal for many people eaten for a special occasion.
Supper
A meal taken at the close of the day; the evening meal.
Dinner
(uncountable) The food provided or consumed at any such meal.
Supper
To take supper; to sup.
Dinner
(intransitive) To eat a dinner; to dine.
Supper
To supply with supper.
Dinner
(transitive) To provide (someone) with a dinner; to dine.
Supper
A light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
Dinner
The principal meal of the day, eaten in some countries about midday, but in others (especially in the U. S. and in large cities) at a later hour.
Supper
A social gathering where a light evening meal is served;
Her suppers often included celebrities
Dinner
An entertainment; a feast.
A grand political dinner.
Supper
A term preferred in certain regions for the evening meal.
In some Southern states, supper is the term of choice.
Dinner
The main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday;
Dinner will be at 8
On Sundays they had a large dinner when they returned from church
Dinner
A party of people assembled to have dinner together;
Guests should never be late to a dinner party
Common Curiosities
Can "Dinner" refer to a midday meal?
Yes, in some contexts or regions, "Dinner" can mean a midday meal.
Which term is more formal?
"Dinner" can imply a more formal gathering or meal.
Are "Supper" and "Dinner" interchangeable terms?
They can be, depending on the region and context, but they can also have distinct meanings.
Is "Supper" an outdated term?
While its use has decreased in some areas, "Supper" is still preferred in certain U.S. regions.
Do both terms have historical significance?
Yes, historically "Dinner" was the primary meal, and "Supper" was a later, lighter meal.
Is "Supper" always an evening meal?
Typically, "Supper" refers to an evening meal, but it can also mean a later meal following dinner.
How does regional usage affect the meaning of these terms?
In some Southern U.S. states, "Supper" is the evening meal, while "Dinner" might refer to a midday meal.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
