blue-plate special noun1 •(US, old-fashioned) A popular meal offered at a reduced price, usually in inexpensive eateries and often on a plate divided into compartments for different food items.[H]is big blue plate special, with meat course and three vegetables, is purchasable for a quarter, just as it has been for the last ten years. — 1928 formsblue plate specials · blue-plate specials