Lunch is the meal eaten in the middle of the day, usually sometime between noon and early afternoon. For most kids, lunch happens at school, where you might eat in a cafeteria with friends or unpack a lunch box your parents prepared. Adults typically take a lunch break from work, either bringing food from home or going to a restaurant.

The timing and size of lunch varies by culture and personal routine. In some countries, lunch is the main meal of the day, lasting an hour or two with multiple courses. In America, lunch tends to be quicker and lighter than dinner: a sandwich, soup, or leftovers from last night's meal.

The word can also be used as a verb. When you lunch with someone, you're eating lunch together. Business people often lunch with colleagues to discuss work in a more relaxed setting than an office. You might do lunch with a friend you haven't seen in a while, turning the meal into a social occasion rather than just refueling for the afternoon ahead.