Elevenses Meaning in English
word
ɪˈlɛv(ə)nzɪz
ih-LEV-uhn-ziz
ɪlˈɛvənsɪz
ih-LEV-uhn-siz
Definition
A small snack or light meal usually eaten around 11 a.m., especially in the UK. It often includes tea, coffee, and something to eat.
Usage & Nuances
'Elevenses' is chiefly used in British English and is rare in American English. It refers to a specific mid-morning break, not just any snack. Common items are tea, biscuits, or cake. It's somewhat old-fashioned but still understood in the UK.
Spanish: tentempié de media mañana - descanso de las oncePortuguese (BR): lanche da manhã (às onze horas) - pausa das onzePortuguese (PT): lanche das onze - pausa das onzeChinese (Simplified): 上午十一点（的小吃/茶歇）Chinese (Traditional): 上午十一點（的小喫/茶歇）Hindi: ग्यारह बजे की चाय - ग्यारह बजे का हल्का नाश्ताArabic: استراحة الساعة الحادية عشرة - وجبة خفيفة في الحادية عشرةBengali: ইলেভেনসেস - সকালের হালকা জলখাবারRussian: элевенсес - второй завтракJapanese: イレブンジズ - 午前のおやつVietnamese: bữa lót dạ giữa buổi sángKorean: 일레븐시스 - 오전 간식Turkish: on bir çayı - kuşluk atıştırmasıUrdu: ایلیوِنسِز - گیارہ بجے کی ہلکی خوراکIndonesian: elevenses - kudapan jam sebelas
Example Sentences
We always have elevenses at work.
basic
My grandmother still enjoys her elevenses every day.
basic
They served tea and biscuits for elevenses.
basic
I skipped breakfast, so I'm really looking forward to elevenses.
natural
Do you fancy joining us for elevenses in the kitchen?
natural
In the UK, elevenses is a perfect excuse to pause and chat.
natural