Polite form of 弁当. Used in everyday conversation and writing when referring to a packed meal, often homemade or store-bought.
See also: 弁当
My mother makes me a bento every morning.
I bought a bento at the station and got on the Shinkansen.
Every morning I make a bento for my child.
I had them warm up my bento at the convenience store.
I neatly pack the side dishes into the bento box.
I'm bringing a bento today, so I won't go out for lunch.