Definition of supper

The word "supper" originated in the Middle English language during the 14th century. At that time, people consumed two main meals a day, typically breaking their fast ( breakfast ) in the morning and then having their main meal ( dinner ) around midday. As their energy waned later in the day, they would eat a smaller meal, which eventually became known as "supper" or "evensong." The origins of the word "supper" can be traced back to Old English and Old Norse languages, where "sopre" and "supir" referred to a drink or a small meal consumed in the evening. This usage became more widespread during the Middle English period, and the word "supper" began to be used more specifically to denote a light meal eaten before retiring for the night. The meaning of the word "supper" has evolved over time, however. In earlier centuries, it was often used interchangeably with the word "dinner," which at one point itself referred to a morning meal. As culinary tastes and traditions changed, the definition of "supper" became more specific, and it came to be associated more closely with meals that were less substantial than dinners and typically involved simpler, heartier fare. Today, the term "supper" is less commonly used except in certain contexts, such as when referring to the final religious service of the evening or to a formal dinner in certain traditions. In everyday speech, "dinner" is generally used to refer to the main meal eaten in the evening, while "supper" is a less frequently used alternative.