Of disputed origin — possibly from Spanish lonja 'a slice' or an English dialectal word for a lump of food — 'lunch' emerged as a clipped form of 'luncheon' in the early 19th century.
A meal eaten in the middle of the day, typically lighter than dinner. As a verb: to eat lunch.
The origin is disputed. The likeliest derivation is from 'luncheon', which appears in the late 16th century possibly from Spanish lonja 'a slice (of ham)' or from an English dialectal word 'lunch' meaning a thick piece or lump of food. Another theory connects it to 'nuncheon' (a light noon-drink or snack), from Old English 'non' (the ninth hour, midday) and 'scenc' (a drink). By the early 19th century 'lunch' was