Ready meal
RED-ee MEEL /ˈredi miːl/
Neutral Neutral
What it really means
A pre-cooked meal from the supermarket fridge that you heat in the microwave or oven. Cheap and popular with busy people and students. Check the label for allergens, pork or alcohol in sauces.
Chinese explanation
超市冷藏柜里的预制餐，用微波炉或烤箱加热即食，便宜又方便，上班族和学生常买。注意看标签上的过敏原，以及酱汁里是否含猪肉或酒精。
Example conversation
A: What's for dinner?
B: I grabbed a couple of ready meals — they were on offer.
A：晚饭吃什么？
B：我买了两份预制餐——正好在打折。
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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake