food poisoning

noun

: an acute gastrointestinal disorder caused by bacteria or their toxic products or by chemical residues in food

Examples of food poisoning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Those wanting to add some protein to their favorite dish this New Year’s Day should double-check their labels after food safety officials warned that products from an Idaho meat distributor could cause food poisoning. —Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 30 Dec. 2025

People should cook them before eating to reduce the risk of food poisoning. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 2025

Eating raw oysters increases your risk of food poisoning. —Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 22 Dec. 2025

Going on, O'Connor claimed that after contracting food poisoning, the national director of the Iceland pageant organization unlisted her from Miss Universe without her consent. —Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

food poisoning

noun

: a digestive sickness caused by bacteria or by chemicals in food

Medical Definition

food poisoning

noun

1

: either of two acute gastrointestinal disorders caused by bacteria or their toxic products:

a

: a rapidly developing intoxication marked by nausea, vomiting, prostration, and often severe diarrhea and caused by the presence in food of toxic products produced by bacteria (as some staphylococci)

b

: a less rapidly developing infection especially with salmonellae that has generally similar symptoms and that results from multiplication of bacteria ingested with contaminated food

2

: a gastrointestinal disturbance occurring after consumption of food that is contaminated with chemical residues (as from sprays) or food (as some fungi) that is inherently unsuitable for human consumption