filling meal

USAGE SUMMARY

"filling meal" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when you need to refer to a meal that fills you up and satisfies you, as opposed to a light snack. For example, "I had a filling meal of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Travel

Lifestyle

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

This is a filling meal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A delicious, filling meal is easily under $10 a person.

The New York Times - Travel

Four people can have a filling meal for less than $100.

The New York Times

The sandwiches are all perfectly sized for a light but filling meal.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A filling meal with a Mexican beer and some flan costs about $11 each.

The New York Times - Travel

A filling meal for two will cost around $4 plus drinks.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

I'd love to be able to get filling meals that weren't fattening too.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They will be lighter, less filling meals, but still end on a sweet note.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ban fatty and sugary foods, make nutritious and filling meals available at an affordable price, and that will reap dividends without being intrusive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It probably would devastate this place right here," he said, gesturing toward the buffet line at Reids' Harvest House, a homey restaurant that serves filling meals.

The New York Times

The dining hall is called Le Bistro, students eat from china plates and the chef uses extra virgin olive oil, seasonal produce and fair trade fruit and vegetables to create a selection of nutritious, filling meals every day.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a meal in a review or personal narrative, use "filling meal" to convey not only the quantity of food but also the satisfaction it provides. For example, "After a long hike, the pasta was a truly "filling meal"".

Common error

Avoid using "filling meal" when the context already implies the meal's satisfying nature. For instance, instead of saying "the large portion was a "filling meal"," consider simply saying "the large portion was satisfying" to prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filling meal" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. As Ludwig AI indicates, it modifies the noun 'meal', specifying its characteristic of being able to satiate hunger. The phrase is commonly used to describe a positive attribute of food, indicating that it provides satisfaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "filling meal" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a meal that satisfies hunger, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's primarily used in descriptive contexts across news, media, and lifestyle publications. While versatile, it's important to avoid redundant usage by ensuring the context doesn't already imply the meal's satisfying quality. Alternatives such as "satisfying meal" or "hearty meal" can add nuance. By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively use "filling meal" to convey the satiating qualities of food.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

satisfying meal

Replaces "filling" with "satisfying", emphasizing contentment rather than just fullness.

substantial meal

Substitutes "filling" with "substantial", highlighting the meal's considerable size or content.

hearty meal

Uses "hearty" instead of "filling", suggesting a meal that is wholesome and satisfying.

wholesome meal

Replaces "filling" with "wholesome", focusing on the nutritional value and health benefits of the meal.

large meal

Focuses on the quantity of the meal rather than its filling effect.

ample meal

Uses "ample" to describe a meal that is plentiful and sufficient.

generous portion

Shifts the focus to the size of the serving, implying it's enough to fill you up.

belly-filling meal

Adds emphasis to the filling aspect, suggesting a very satisfying and complete meal.

square meal

An idiomatic expression for a substantial and nutritious meal.

a meal that satisfies hunger

Explains the purpose of the meal instead of directly describing it.

FAQs

What does "filling meal" mean?

A "filling meal" is a meal that is substantial enough to satisfy hunger and leave you feeling full. It implies both quantity and the ability to stave off hunger for a considerable time.

What can I say instead of "filling meal"?

You can use alternatives like "satisfying meal", "substantial meal", or "hearty meal" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "filling meal" formal or informal?

"Filling meal" is generally considered a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal options like "substantial meal" may be preferred in certain professional settings.

How can I make a meal more filling?

To make a meal more filling, focus on including foods high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Examples include adding beans to soups, including a side salad with your main course, or choosing whole grains over refined carbohydrates.