# supper

/ˈsəpɝ/ (US) · /sˈʌpɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/supper
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. evening meal

noun · CEFR A2

a meal eaten in the evening, often a lighter or more informal one than dinner.

For teachers: the final meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening. In some dialects, it is synonymous with dinner, while in others it refers to a lighter meal taken later.

- We usually have a light supper of soup and bread around seven o'clock.
- After the theatre performance, the group gathered at a local bistro for a late supper and a discussion of the play.

### 2. chip shop meal

noun · CEFR B2 · British English · Dialect · Informal

a meal from a fish and chip shop that includes chips.

For teachers: a meal from a traditional chip shop consisting of a specific deep-fried item served with a portion of chips.

- I think I'll stop at the chippy for a sausage supper on my way home.
- In many parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, ordering a 'haddock supper' implies a complete meal of fried fish accompanied by chips.

Usage: Commonly used in Scotland and Northern England; the main item (e.g., fish, haggis, or sausage) precedes the word 'supper'.

## Examples

- We usually have a light supper around nine o'clock.
- After the theater performance, the group gathered at a local bistro for a late-night supper of soup and bread.
- While the family traditionally ate their main meal at midday, they maintained the habit of a modest supper consisting of tea and sandwiches before the household settled for the evening.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.