digestion

noun

di·​ges·​tion dī-ˈjes-chən 

də-, 

-ˈjesh-

: the action, process, or power of digesting: such as

a

: the process of making food absorbable by mechanically and enzymatically breaking it down into simpler chemical compounds in the digestive tract

b

: the process in sewage treatment by which organic matter in sludge is decomposed by anaerobic bacteria with the release of a burnable mixture of gases

Examples of digestion in a Sentence

an enzyme that aids in the digestion of protein

She began to suffer from poor digestion as she grew older.

Recent Examples on the Web

These changes can help slow digestion and reduce the size of the glucose spike. — Verywell Health, 6 July 2026

Eat plenty of fiber, which aids digestion and decreases your risk. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 7 July 2026

During contests, their stomachs stretch, heart rates rise, and digestion struggles to keep up, causing intense physical stress. — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Utensils are prohibited and condiments are seldom used, but water and other non-alcoholic drinks are available to speed up digestion. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for digestion

• congestion
• ingestion
• suggestion
• gestion
• question
• indigestion

Kids Definition

digestion

noun

di·​ges·​tion dī-ˈjes-chən 

də-

: the process by which food is broken down into simpler forms in the body by mechanical and enzymatic means

Medical Definition

digestion

noun

di·​ges·​tion dī-ˈjes(h)-chən, də- 

: the action, process, or power of digesting

especially : the process of making food absorbable by mechanically and enzymatically breaking it down into simpler chemical compounds in the digestive tract