pranzo

Pranzo is the Italian word for the midday meal, or lunch. The term derives from Latin prandium and has long been used to denote the main daytime meal in Italian culture, though contemporary work and school schedules have altered how and when it is consumed.

Timing and course structure vary by region and household. Traditionally, pranzo is eaten around 12:30 to 14:00 and may feature several courses: primo (pasta, risotto, or soup), secondo (meat or fish), contorno (vegetables), and dolce (dessert). In modern life, especially in urban settings, many people prefer a lighter meal or a quick option such as a sandwich, often consumed at a bar, cafeteria, or workplace canteen. In some regions, particularly in the south, pranzo remains a longer and more substantial family meal, while in others the midday meal is shorter.

Regional and social variation also shape pranzo practices. Rural or traditional households may maintain a multi-course midday meal, while busy professionals and students commonly opt for faster alternatives. The concept is linked to the daily rhythm of work and school, with a customary pausa pranzo (lunch break) in many workplaces. The evening meal, cena, is often lighter or postponed, contrasting with the midday emphasis of pranzo in traditional settings.

Other uses and related terms include phrases such as pranzo di Natale (Christmas lunch) and pranzo freddo (cold lunch). The verb pranzare means to have lunch.