brunch - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
brunch Word Meanings
- A late-morning meal that combines breakfast and lunch.
- A social meal, often on weekends, where people gather and eat.
- The act of going out to eat brunch or the brunch occasion itself.
brunch Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
brunch Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/brʌnʧ/
US
/brʌnʧ/
brunch Word Etymology
Root decomposition: brunch is a portmanteau of breakfast and lunch. Historical origin: originated in English in the late 19th century; first attested in 1896 in Punch, popularized by Guy Beringer. Memory image: imagine a sunlit cafe where people linger over coffee, pancakes and eggs, with the menu labeled brunch.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Brunch is a portmanteau of breakfast and lunch that has grown into its own social ritual in many English-speaking places. It often happens on weekends or holidays and is as much about the experience as the food: a leisurely, late morning meal where friends or families linger over coffee, eggs, pancakes, and pastries, sometimes with cocktails like mimosas. The term can refer to the meal itself, the occasion, or the act of going out for brunch, and it has spawned restaurants with all-day menus and relaxed dress codes. The word entered common usage in the late 19th century, popularized by Guy Beringer's 1896 ideas, and remains vivid in memory of sunlit cafes.
Usage Reminders
- Use brunch to describe a late-morning meal that combines breakfast and lunch.
- Brunch is often associated with weekends or holidays, but with longer days you may see it on other days.
- You can say 'Let's do brunch' or 'We're having brunch on Saturday'.
- Brunch menus mix breakfast and lunch dishes, and sometimes cocktails are offered.
- Brunch can refer to the meal, the occasion, or the act of going out for brunch.
Common Misconceptions
- Brunch is just a late breakfast, not a social meal.
- Brunch only happens on weekends.
- Brunch is the same as lunch with extra eggs.
- Brunch always involves alcohol.
- Brunch is only for fancy cafes.
Thinking Differences
Think of brunch as a flexible English concept that blends two meals and doubles as a social occasion; learners often try to translate it literally, missing its sociable, leisurely angle.
Learning Tips
- Practice phrases with brunch: 'Let's do brunch this weekend.'
- Use collocations like 'brunch menu', 'brunch place', 'brunch with friends'.
- Note prepositions: 'for brunch', 'at brunch', 'during brunch' depending on context.
- Learn common verbs: 'brunching', 'to brunch', 'to go brunching' in casual speech.
- Listen for regional differences in where and how brunch is served.
- Read local menus or social posts to see natural usage in your area.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'brunch'?
A.A meal that combines breakfast and lunch
B.A type of exercise class
C.A style of painting
D.A type of fruit
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'brunch' correctly?
A.My favorite meal is brunch, which I enjoy on weekends.
B.We had a lovely brunch in the evening.
C.She made a delicious brunch for dinner last night.
D.He likes to brunch after school.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'brunch'?
A.Appetizer
B.Snack
C.Breakfast
D.Dinner
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'brunch'?
A.Fast
B.Dinner
C.Supper
D.Lunch
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where this word could be used?
A.Many people enjoy meeting friends for a meal that’s served between traditional breakfast and lunch hours.
B.I love having a big meal of eggs and toast in the morning.
C.She prepared a salad for the party guests.
D.He typically skips meals and eats snacks throughout the day.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
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