IPA: /mɪl/
KK: /mil/
A time when food is eaten, usually consisting of several dishes served together.
We had a delicious meal at the new restaurant last night.
The word 'meal' originates from Old English 'mæle', meaning a measure or a portion. It refers to a specific portion of food consumed at one time.
Think of 'meal' as a specific 'portion' of food that you eat, which helps you remember that it refers to a time when you eat.