Supper vs. Lunch — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 19, 2024
Supper is an evening meal often lighter and more informal, whereas lunch is a midday meal typically more substantial and formal.
Difference Between Supper and Lunch
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Supper is usually the last meal of the day, often eaten in the evening and can be a lighter, more informal affair. It sometimes consists of leftovers, simple dishes, or snacks. On the other hand, lunch is typically consumed around midday and is often more substantial, serving as the main meal of the day in many cultures.
Supper often follows a day's activities and can be a time for family gatherings or casual dining. In contrast, lunch is usually eaten during a break in the middle of the day and can be either a quick meal or a more elaborate one, depending on cultural norms and individual schedules.
In some regions, the term "supper" may be used interchangeably with "dinner," although "dinner" can also refer to a more formal evening meal. Meanwhile, "lunch" is consistently understood to be the midday meal, sometimes accompanied by a break in work or school activities.
The timing of supper can vary widely, from early evening to late at night, depending on cultural and personal habits. Conversely, lunch is typically eaten between 11 AM and 2 PM, with some variation based on work or school schedules.
Supper is often lighter, featuring soups, sandwiches, or light entrees. Lunch might include heartier fare such as meats, pasta, or substantial salads, reflecting its role as a significant energy source for the rest of the day.
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Comparison Chart
Time of Day
Evening
Midday
Meal Size
Often lighter
Typically more substantial
Formality
Generally informal
Can be formal or informal
Cultural Variation
Sometimes used interchangeably with "dinner"
Consistently understood as the midday meal
Common Foods
Soups, sandwiches, light dishes
Meats, pasta, substantial salads
Compare with Definitions
Supper
A lighter or more informal meal in the evening.
She prepared a simple supper of soup and bread.
Lunch
In some cultures, the most substantial meal of the day.
In Spain, lunch is often the biggest meal.
Supper
Refers to the Last Supper in Christian traditions.
The painting depicts the Last Supper.
Lunch
A meal that can be packed and taken to work or school.
He packed a lunch to take to the office.
Supper
The meal eaten in the evening.
We usually have supper around 7 PM.
Lunch
An occasion for socializing over a midday meal.
They met for a lunch date at a local café.
Supper
Sometimes refers to a late-night snack.
He had a small supper before going to bed.
Lunch
The meal eaten around midday.
She always takes a lunch break at noon.
Supper
An informal event involving an evening meal.
They hosted a casual supper for their friends.
Lunch
Often a meal taken during a work or school break.
They had a business lunch to discuss the new project.
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.
Lunch
Lunch, an abbreviation for luncheon, is a meal eaten around midday. During the 20th century, the meaning gradually narrowed to a meal eaten midday.
Supper
An evening meal; dinner.
Lunch
A meal eaten at midday.
Supper
A light or informal evening meal, especially when dinner is taken at midday.
Lunch
The food provided for a midday meal.
Supper
A light meal eaten before going to bed.
Lunch
To eat a midday meal.
Supper
A dance or social affair where supper is served.
Lunch
A light meal usually eaten around midday, notably when not as main meal of the day.
Supper
Food consumed before going to bed.
Lunch
(cricket) A break in play between the first and second sessions.
Supper
Any meal eaten in the evening; dinner eaten in the evening, rather than at noon.
We normally have supper at 7.
Lunch
Any small meal, especially one eaten at a social gathering.
After the funeral there was a lunch for those who didn't go to the cemetery.
Supper
A meal from a chip shop consisting of a deep-fried food with chips.
A pizza supper
Lunch
(intransitive) To eat lunch.
I like to lunch in Italian restaurants.
Supper
A drinker, especially one who drinks slowly (i.e., one who sups).
Lunch
(transitive) To treat to lunch.
Supper
To consume a snack before retiring.
Lunch
A luncheon; specifically, a light repast between breakfast and dinner, most commonly about noontime.
Supper
To eat dinner (see above).
Lunch
To take luncheon.
Supper
A meal taken at the close of the day; the evening meal.
Lunch
A midday meal
Supper
To take supper; to sup.
Lunch
Take the midday meal;
At what time are you lunching?
Supper
To supply with supper.
Lunch
Provide a midday meal for;
She lunched us well
Supper
A light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
Supper
A social gathering where a light evening meal is served;
Her suppers often included celebrities
Common Curiosities
Can lunch be a formal meal?
Yes, lunch can be formal, especially in business or special occasion contexts.
Do all cultures have a meal called supper?
Not all cultures use the term "supper"; some use "dinner" to refer to the evening meal.
What is the typical time frame for lunch?
Lunch is typically eaten between 11 AM and 2 PM.
What time is supper typically eaten?
Supper is usually eaten in the evening, typically between 6 PM and 8 PM.
Why is lunch considered an important meal?
Lunch provides essential nutrients and energy to sustain afternoon activities.
Are there cultural variations in the timing of supper?
Yes, the timing of supper can vary widely across cultures, from early evening to late at night.
Is lunch more substantial than breakfast?
Often, yes, lunch is more substantial than breakfast.
Can supper be a social event?
Yes, supper can be a social event, often involving casual gatherings.
Is supper the same as dinner?
In some regions, supper and dinner are used interchangeably, but supper is generally considered more informal.
Can supper be a late-night snack?
Yes, supper can sometimes refer to a late-night snack.
How does lunch differ from brunch?
Lunch is a midday meal, while brunch is a combination of breakfast and lunch, typically eaten late morning.
Is supper always a light meal?
Supper is often lighter, but it can be substantial depending on cultural norms and personal preferences.
What foods are commonly eaten for lunch?
Common lunch foods include sandwiches, salads, pasta, and meats.
Do schools typically have lunch breaks?
Yes, most schools have designated lunch breaks for students.
What is a packed lunch?
A packed lunch is a meal prepared at home and taken to work or school to be eaten during the lunch break.
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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.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
