merendar

Merendar is a Spanish verb that means to have a light meal or snack, usually in the late afternoon between lunch and dinner. The action often involves bread, pastries, fruit, yogurt, or small savory items, and is commonly accompanied by beverages such as coffee, hot chocolate, or juice.

Origin and related forms: Merendar derives from merenda, the term for a lighter midday or afternoon meal. The noun merienda refers to the snack itself or the time of day. Merendar is a stem-changing verb in the present indicative, with e changing to ie (yo meriendo, tú meriendas, él merienda, nosotros merendamos, vosotros merendáis, ellos meriendan).

Regional use: In Spain, merienda is a well-established daily routine for many people, especially schoolchildren and workers. In several Latin American countries, merienda likewise designates a light late-afternoon meal, though foods and timing vary by country. The concept can overlap with similar meals such as the tea or afternoon snack in other cultures.

Notes: Merendar can also be used in compound tenses with haber. Example: Hoy voy a merendar temprano; después merendamos en casa.