A meal is an instance of eating,
specifically one that takes place at a specific time and includes
specific, prepared food.
Meals occur primarily at homes, restaurants, and cafeterias, but may
occur anywhere. Regular meals occur on a daily basis, typically several
times a day. Special meals are usually held in conjunction with such
occasions as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and holidays.
A meal is different from a snack in that meals are larger and more
filling, while snacks are more likely to be small, high-calorie
affairs; however, any food eaten in small amounts at an unscheduled
time can be classified as a snack.
A picnic is an outdoor meal where one brings one's food, such as a
sandwich or a prepared meal (sometimes in a picnic basket). It often
takes place in a natural or recreative area, such as a park, forest,
beach, or grassy lawn. On long drives a picnic may take place at a
road-side stop such as a rest area.
A banquet is a large, often formal, and elaborate meal with many guests
and dishes.