multi-course meal
/ˈmʌlti kɔːrs miːl/
Meaning
A multi-course meal is a formal dining experience where several dishes are served sequentially rather than all at once. It typically begins with light appetizers, progresses through soups, salads, and main dishes, and concludes with dessert. This term is used in fine dining contexts, upscale events, and formal celebrations.
Examples
-
The wedding reception featured an exquisite five-course meal paired with fine local wines.
The wedding reception featured an exquisite five-course meal paired with fine local wines.
-
For our anniversary, we booked a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant for a multi-course meal.
For our anniversary, we booked a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant for a multi-course meal.
-
Preparing a multi-course meal requires meticulous timing so that each dish is served hot.
Preparing a multi-course meal requires meticulous timing so that each dish is served hot.
-
The gala dinner was a sophisticated multi-course meal that lasted for over three hours.
The gala dinner was a sophisticated multi-course meal that lasted for over three hours.
-
I prefer a simple family-style dinner over a formal, structured multi-course meal.
I prefer a simple family-style dinner over a formal, structured multi-course meal.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ We enjoyed a multi-courses meal at the hotel.
✓ We enjoyed a multi-course meal at the hotel.
When used as an adjective modifying 'meal', 'multi-course' must be singular. Do not add an 's' to 'course'.
-
✗ The restaurant serves a multiple course meal.
✓ The restaurant serves a multi-course meal.
While grammatically understandable, 'multi-course' is the standard, natural compound adjective used in the culinary industry.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
The luxury cruise offered an elaborate seven-___ every evening.
💡 A series of sequential dishes.
Show answer
course meal
-
I don't usually have the patience for a ___ because I prefer quick dining.
💡 A formal dinner with many sequential plates.
Show answer
multi-course meal