Spanish word

merienda

Pronunciation

IPA/meˈɾjenda/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsnack

Example

A las cinco tomo la merienda.

At five I have a snack.

Illustration for merienda (snack)

More examples

Después del partido, compartimos la merienda ligera.

After the match, we shared the light snack.

Core concept

Light late-afternoon snack eaten around 4-7 pm.

Common phrases

  • merienda ligera

    light snack

  • compartir la merienda

    share the snack

  • merienda casera

    homemade snack

Similar words

tentempié: Short, portable morsel intended for quick consumption to curb hunger.
bocadillo: Simple sandwich made with a long roll or baguette, often savory.
refrigerio: Snack or drink consumed during a scheduled pause at school or work.
snack: Any small, ready-to-eat morsel or treat for casual eating.

Definition in Spanish

Pequeña comida o tentempié que se toma por la tarde, habitualmente entre las cuatro y las siete, para calmar el hambre antes de la cena.

Word origin

Spanish merienda derives from Latin merenda (from merēre 'to earn') via Romance languages and denotes an allotted small afternoon meal.

Usage tips

  • Merienda usually refers specifically to a late-afternoon bite that fills the gap before dinner, unlike English snack which can be any time.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word