Square meal Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈskwɛɹ/ /ˈmiɫ

SKWAIR meel

UK

skwˈeə/ /mˈiːl

skWAIR MEEL

Definition

A 'square meal' is a nutritious, satisfying, and balanced meal, typically with all necessary food groups. It suggests eating enough food to feel full and healthy.

Usage & Nuances

'Square meal' is informal and often used in everyday speech, especially to emphasize a meal is substantial or healthier than a snack. Common phrases include 'get a square meal' and 'haven't had a square meal.' Not used for fast food or snacks.

• Spanish: comida completa
• Portuguese (BR): refeição completa
• Portuguese (PT): refeição completa
• Chinese (Simplified): 丰盛的一餐
• Chinese (Traditional): 豐盛的一餐
• Hindi: पूरा भोजन
• Arabic: وجبة مشبعة
• Bengali: পুষ্টিকর খাবার - পরিপূর্ণ খাবার
• Russian: сытная еда - полноценный приём пищи
• Japanese: しっかりした食事 - バランスの取れた食事
• Vietnamese: bữa ăn đầy đủ dinh dưỡng - bữa ăn hoàn chỉnh
• Korean: 영양가 있는 식사 - 푸짐한 식사
• Turkish: doyurucu yemek - dengeli öğün
• Urdu: مکمل کھانا - بھرپور کھانا
• Indonesian: bữa ăn đầy đủ - bữa ăn dinh dưỡng

Example Sentences

I haven't had a square meal in days.

basic

Everyone needs a square meal to stay healthy.

basic

We had a square meal at grandma's house.

basic

All I want after a long day is a good, square meal.

natural

If you call that dinner, that's hardly a square meal!

natural

Back then, a square meal was a real treat for us kids.

natural