What's the Difference Between 'Lunch Time' and 'Lunchtime'?

In this blog post we look at when to use lunch time and when to use lunchtime.

'Lunch Time' or 'Lunchtime'?

When it comes to the question of whether to use "lunch time" or "lunchtime," both options are technically correct, but they have slightly different meanings and uses.

"Lunchtime" is a compound noun that refers to the specific time of day when people typically eat lunch. It is often used as a general term to refer to the midday meal break and is more commonly used than “lunch time”.

For example, "I'll meet you at lunchtime" or "It's lunchtime, let's go grab a bite to eat." 

In this context, lunchtime is a specific time of day that is the same for everyone and is often considered as a part of daily routine.

On the other hand, "lunch time" is a noun phrase that refers to the time period during which people typically eat lunch.

It is often used to refer to a specific period of time set aside for lunch, as in "The school's lunch time is from 12:00 to 12:30."

In this context, lunch time refers to a specific period of time that is set by an organization or institution and may vary from one place to another.

In terms of usage, "lunchtime" is more common than “lunch time” in everyday conversation.  In most cases “lunchtime” is the correct word to use unless you are referring specifically to the time at which lunch occurs.

In summary, both "lunchtime" and "lunch time" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings.

"Lunchtime" is a noun that refers to the specific time of day when people typically eat lunch, while "lunch time" is a noun phrase that focuses on the particular time period during which people typically eat lunch.

Here are some sentences using “lunch time” and “lunchtime” in context:

  1. "I usually eat my lunch at lunchtime." (refers to the specific time of day when people typically eat lunch)

  2. "Lunch time at the office is from 12:00 to 1:00." (refers to the specific period of time set aside for lunch)

  3. "I try to schedule my meetings around lunchtime so I can eat." (refers to the specific time of day when people typically eat lunch)

  4. "Our lunch time is strictly enforced, no eating before or after the designated time." (refers to the specific period of time set aside for lunch)

  5. "I can't believe it's already lunchtime, the morning went by so fast." (refers to the specific time of day when people typically eat lunch)

  6. "The company allows for a flexible lunch time schedule." (refers to the specific period of time set aside for lunch)


Lunch Time or Lunchtime
Lunch Time or Lunchtime