mahl

Mahl is a German noun meaning meal or feast, used to denote a single eating occasion as well as the act of eating. The standard term for a meal is die Mahlzeit. In everyday German, the compound Mahlzeit is also used as a greeting at mealtimes; speakers say Mahlzeit! to wish others a good meal, similar to bon appétit in French.

The word appears in historical and literary contexts when describing feasts and dining. It is primarily used in German-speaking regions, though it can appear in translations or discussions of German culture in other languages.

Mahl is also a surname of German origin. As a family name, it occurs in Germany and among communities of German descent. Like many surnames, its precise origin can vary by lineage, and it is not tied to a single occupation or region today.

In addition to its use as a noun, Mahl may appear in various phrases and compound forms related to meals and dining, though such usages are less common in contemporary language.