Why Dinner Used To Mean Lunch

Historically, dinner was actually the largest meal of the day eaten at noon. It only shifted to an evening meal between the 16th and 19th centuries, largely due to changing lifestyles among the elite.

The word dinner originally referred to the main meal consumed mid-day to provide energy for physical work. As society evolved, the timing pushed later into the day to accommodate social trends. Interestingly, we still see remnants of this history today when people host a large Christmas dinner during the afternoon. Geography also played a role, as hotter climates have long favored evening feasts to avoid cooking in the midday heat.