Italian · Food & Drink
cena
dinner
Beginnernoun · f
Definition
The main meal of the day, eaten in the evening.
Example
Stasera la cena è alle otto.
Tonight dinner is at eight.
Etymology
The term 'cena' traces back to the Latin 'caena', meaning 'meal', specifically the evening meal. Its meaning has remained largely unchanged through the centuries.
How & Where It’s Used
'Cena' is used in both formal and informal contexts and is common in family settings as well as in restaurants. Regional variations might exist in dishes served during dinner.
Literary Heritage
Mentioned in literary works discussing traditional Italian family meals and hospitality.