Special Family Meal: Meaning, Examples & Usage

Meaning 1：celebratory meal (special family meal)

special family meal 🔊

/ˈspeʃəl ˈfæməli miːl/

A meal that is prepared and enjoyed by family members on a special occasion, like a holiday or celebration.

Special family meal with happy family sharing homemade feast

celebratory meal 🔊

➕

/ˈsɛləbrətɔːri miːl/

A meal shared by family members during a special occasion, often involving traditional dishes and a joyful atmosphere.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Combination of 'special' (unique), 'family' (household), and 'meal' (food occasion).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a festive dinner with loved ones, like 'Special Family Meal' = a joyful feast.

📖 Example

We always have a special family meal on New Year's Eve, with homemade dishes and laughter. 🔊 We always have a special family meal on New Year's Eve, with homemade dishes and laughter.

🔗 Collocations

host a special family meal – organize a festive family dinner

enjoy a special family meal – take part in a celebratory family dinner

prepare a special family meal – cook and arrange a festive family dinner

🔄 Synonyms

festive dinner (n.) – a dinner for a celebration, often with family

holiday feast (n.) – a large meal during a holiday, typically with family

family celebration meal (n.) – a meal marking a special family event

🚫 Antonyms

ordinary dinner (n.) – a regular, non-celebratory meal

solitary meal (n.) – a meal eaten alone, without family

everyday meal (n.) – a typical meal without special occasion

📖 Cultural Story

The concept of a special family meal is deeply rooted in many cultures, especially holidays like Thanksgiving in the US or Christmas dinner. It symbolizes unity and celebration.