dinnertime
UK[ˈdɪnətaɪm]US[ˈdɪnərtaɪm]
n
The time at which the main meal of the day is eaten.
Morpheme Breakdown
dinner
time
dinner
time
Etymology
The compound word "dinnertime" is a straightforward combination of two native English elements. The first element, "dinner," has a journey from Latin, entering English via Old French. Its core meaning evolved from the act of breaking a fast to signify the main meal itself. The second element, "time," is a fundamental concept from Old English. When combined, they form a transparent compound that literally means "the time for dinner," directly indicating the period designated for consuming the day's principal meal. This logical construction exemplifies how English readily creates new terms by joining existing words to specify a particular occasion.
Analysis
Structure: dinner + time
- dinner (Old French, Latin): The main meal of the day. From Old French 'disner' (to dine), ultimately from Latin 'dis-' (expressing reversal) + 'jejunare' (to fast), hence "to break one's fast".
- time (Old English): A point or period in duration. From Old English 'tīma', of Germanic origin.
Examples
The family makes it a rule to gather at the table by dinnertime.
My dinnertime varies depending on my work schedule.
Please call me after dinnertime; we'll be eating until seven.