Meal vs. Breakfast — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 6, 2024
A meal is a general term for any eating occasion involving food, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner; breakfast specifically refers to the first meal of the day.
Difference Between Meal and Breakfast
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A meal represents any instance where food is consumed, encompassing a variety of types and times throughout the day. On the other hand, breakfast specifically denotes the first meal taken after waking up in the morning, often considered the most important meal of the day.
Meals can occur at any time and include several courses depending on cultural norms and personal preference, ranging from simple to elaborate. Whereas breakfast traditionally includes foods like eggs, cereals, and bread, tailored to kickstart the day with energy.
The content and timing of meals can vary widely; lunch and dinner are other specific types of meals typically larger than breakfast. Conversely, breakfast usually involves lighter, often quicker-to-prepare dishes designed to break the overnight fasting period.
Socially, meals serve as gatherings and can occur at any time, often as a space for conversation and community. On the other hand, breakfast might be a quieter, less social affair, especially in fast-paced societies where individuals often eat quickly or on the go.
Nutritional emphasis also differs; meals later in the day might focus more on protein and vegetables, while breakfast often prioritizes carbohydrates and fiber for immediate energy.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Any eating occasion that involves food.
The first meal of the day, typically eaten in the morning.
Timing
Can occur at any time during the day.
Eaten after waking up, usually before starting the day's activities.
Typical Foods
Varied, can include multiple courses.
Often includes eggs, cereals, fruits, and breads.
Social Aspect
Can be an event for socializing.
Often quick, sometimes solitary.
Nutritional Focus
Diverse, depending on the type of meal.
Typically designed to provide energy after overnight fast.
Compare with Definitions
Meal
The usual time at which a meal is eaten.
Mealtime in our household is a chance for everyone to catch up on the day's events.
Breakfast
The typical period in the morning when breakfast is consumed.
Breakfast time at the hotel is from 6 to 9 AM.
Meal
An instance of eating, especially as part of a larger event.
The banquet offered an impressive meal to all attendees.
Breakfast
Often considered the most important meal, providing energy for the day.
He never skips breakfast because it helps him maintain focus at work.
Meal
Meals can be tailored to dietary needs or cultural traditions.
The chef prepared a vegetarian meal that was both delicious and satisfying.
Breakfast
In many cultures, breakfast is a quick meal eaten before starting the day’s activities.
On weekdays, her breakfast is usually just a smoothie.
Meal
A food serving at any time of day.
We planned a three-course meal for dinner.
Breakfast
Breakfast foods vary but commonly include dairy, grains, and fruits.
Their breakfast buffet included a wide range of options from pancakes to fresh fruit.
Meal
Meals vary widely around the world in terms of content and style.
In Spain, meals often occur later in the evening and can last for several hours.
Breakfast
Breakfast is the first meal of the day eaten after waking from the night's sleep, usually in the morning. The word in English refers to breaking the fasting period of the previous night.
Meal
A meal is an eating occasion that takes place at a certain time and includes prepared food. The names used for specific meals in English vary, depending on the speaker's culture, the time of day, or the size of the meal.
Breakfast
A meal eaten in the morning, the first of the day
A breakfast of bacon and eggs
I don't eat breakfast
Meal
The edible whole or coarsely ground grains of a cereal grass.
Breakfast
Eat breakfast
She breakfasted on fried bread and bacon
Meal
A granular substance produced by grinding.
Breakfast
The first meal of the day, usually eaten in the morning.
Meal
The food served and eaten in one sitting.
Breakfast
(Informal) Food traditionally consumed for breakfast, such as eggs or pancakes
We made breakfast for dinner.
Meal
A customary time or occasion of eating food.
Breakfast
To eat breakfast
We breakfasted on the terrace.
Meal
Correct quotes
Breakfast
To provide breakfast for.
Meal
Move Middle English to an Middle English (enm) entry
Breakfast
The first meal of the day, usually eaten in the morning.
You should put more protein in her breakfast so she will grow.
Meal
Possible search real New English citations for obsolete senses}}
Breakfast
(by extension) A meal consisting of food normally eaten in the morning, which may typically include eggs, sausages, toast, bacon, etc.
We serve breakfast all day.
Meal
(countable) Food that is prepared and eaten, usually at a specific time, and usually in a comparatively large quantity (as opposed to a snack).
Breakfast is the morning meal, lunch is the noon meal, and dinner, or supper, is the evening meal.
Breakfast
The celebratory meal served after a wedding (and occasionally after other solemnities e.g. a funeral).
Meal
(countable) Food served or eaten as a repast.
Breakfast
A meal eaten after a period of (now often religious) fasting.
Meal
A break taken by a police officer in order to eat.
Breakfast
(intransitive) To eat the morning meal.
Meal
(obsolete) A time or an occasion.
Breakfast
(transitive) To serve breakfast to.
Meal
The coarse-ground edible part of various grains often used to feed animals; flour or a coarser blend than flour.
Breakfast
The first meal in the day, or that which is eaten at the first meal.
A sorry breakfast for my lord protector.
Meal
A speck or spot.
Breakfast
A meal after fasting, or food in general.
The wolves will get a breakfast by my death.
Meal
A part; a fragment; a portion.
Breakfast
To break one's fast in the morning; too eat the first meal in the day.
First, sir, I read, and then I breakfast.
Meal
To yield or be plentiful in meal.
Breakfast
To furnish with breakfast.
Meal
(transitive) To defile or taint.
Breakfast
The first meal of the day (usually in the morning)
Meal
A part; a fragment; a portion.
Breakfast
Eat an early morning meal;
We breakfast at seven
Meal
The portion of food taken at a particular time for the satisfaction of appetite; the quantity usually taken at one time with the purpose of satisfying hunger; a repast; the act or time of eating a meal; as, the traveler has not eaten a good meal for a week; there was silence during the meal.
What strange fishHath made his meal on thee?
Breakfast
Provide breakfast for
Meal
Grain (esp. maize, rye, or oats) that is coarsely ground and unbolted; also, a kind of flour made from beans, pease, etc.; sometimes, any flour, esp. if coarse.
Meal
Any substance that is coarsely pulverized like meal, but not granulated.
Meal
To sprinkle with, or as with, meal.
Meal
To pulverize; as, mealed powder.
Meal
The food served and eaten at one time
Meal
Any of the occasions for eating food that occur by custom or habit at more or less fixed times
Meal
Coarsely ground foodstuff; especially seeds of various cereal grasses or pulse
Common Curiosities
Can breakfast be considered a meal?
Yes, breakfast is a type of meal, specifically the first one of the day.
How do cultural differences affect meal and breakfast habits?
Cultural differences can significantly affect what and when people eat for meals, including breakfast, with variations in types of food and eating times.
What are typical breakfast foods?
Typical breakfast foods include cereals, bread, eggs, fruits, and dairy products.
What is the social importance of meals?
Meals are socially important as they provide an opportunity for family or community gatherings, conversation, and cultural expression.
Is it okay to skip breakfast?
Nutritional advice varies, but generally, it is recommended not to skip breakfast as it helps maintain energy levels and metabolic balance throughout the day.
What defines a meal?
A meal is defined as any eating occasion that includes food, regardless of the time or food content.
Why is breakfast considered an important meal?
Breakfast is often considered important because it provides necessary energy and nutrients after an overnight fast, helping to start the day right.
How does the nutritional focus of breakfast differ from other meals?
The nutritional focus of breakfast often includes carbohydrates and fiber to provide quick energy, whereas other meals may focus more on proteins, fats, and vegetables.
What is a brunch?
Brunch is a combination of breakfast and lunch, often eaten late in the morning and combining foods typical of both meals.
Are there health benefits associated with a hearty breakfast?
Yes, a hearty breakfast can help with weight management, improve metabolic rates, and stabilize blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Supernatant vs. Pellet
Next Comparison
Bhuna vs. BaltiAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
