suppe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Mid-frequencyStandard, neutral to informal.
Quick answer
What does “suppe” mean?
The evening meal, typically the last main meal of the day.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The evening meal, typically the last main meal of the day.
Can also refer to a light meal eaten in the late evening; in some religious contexts, may refer specifically to the Last Supper.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'supper' is more common than in the US, but its specific meaning (light late meal vs main evening meal) varies regionally and by class. In the US, 'supper' is less common in modern, urban speech, often replaced by 'dinner' for the evening meal; it persists in the South, Midwest, and in rural areas.
Connotations
UK: Can be class-associated (upper-class 'supper' vs working-class 'tea'). Often implies informality. US: Often connotes rural, family-oriented, traditional, or older-fashioned settings.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English than in contemporary US English, where 'dinner' is dominant for the evening meal.
Grammar
How to Use “suppe” in a Sentence
have [NOUN] for supperjoin [PRONOUN] for supperstay for supperVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “suppe” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We often supper on toast and soup.
- Will you be suppering with us tonight?
American English
- They suppered on leftovers.
- We can supper after the game.
adjective
British English
- The supper menu was simple.
- She brought a supper plate to the study.
American English
- He took his supper break at 7 PM.
- We need more supper rolls.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used informally in contexts like "Let's discuss it over supper."
Academic
Rare, except in historical/religious studies (e.g., "the Passover supper").
Everyday
Common in domestic/family contexts and social invitations.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “suppe”
- Spelling as 'super'.
- Using 'supper' in contexts where 'dinner' is more appropriate (e.g., formal invitations).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
This is highly regional. Generally, 'dinner' is the main meal of the day, which can be at midday or evening. 'Supper' is always an evening meal, often lighter or more informal. In many parts of the US, 'dinner' and 'supper' are synonyms for the evening meal, with 'dinner' being more modern.
No, it is generally neutral to informal. A formal evening meal is more likely to be called 'dinner'. 'Supper' suggests a relaxed, family, or casual social meal.
Yes, though it is less common and slightly literary or old-fashioned. It means 'to eat supper' (e.g., 'We suppered on cheese and fruit').
It can be. In parts of the UK, especially the North, the evening meal is called 'tea'. 'Supper' can then refer to a later, lighter snack. In other UK usage, 'supper' is the evening meal and 'tea' is an afternoon break.
The evening meal, typically the last main meal of the day.
Suppe: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌp.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌp.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Last Supper”
- “sing for your supper”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SUP' as in 'soup' (often eaten in the evening) + 'PER' as in 'per day' – the meal you have PER day in the evening.
Conceptual Metaphor
EVENING IS THE END OF THE DAY'S JOURNEY; SUPPER IS THE FINAL FUEL STOP.
Practice
Quiz
In which regional variety is 'supper' MOST commonly used as the standard term for the main evening meal?