digestive system

noun

: the bodily system concerned with the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of food and the discharge of residual wastes and consisting of the digestive tract and accessory glands (such as the salivary glands and the pancreas) that secrete digestive enzymes

Examples of digestive system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

More on her 11 siblings, late husband Parton's death came after multiple concert cancellations and missed appearances amid medical issues, which included problems with her immune and digestive systems over the years. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

This week’s nutrition tips cover simple ways to support your kidneys, heart, and digestive system, from starting your morning with three dates to snacking on a handful of peanuts. — Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2026

Cox said alpha-synuclein, the misfolded proteins that cause Parkinson's disease, can sometimes start in the gut and spread up the vagus nerve — the nerve that carries signals between your brain, heart and digestive system. — Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026

Raw corn is harder to digest because its tough outer layer and resistant starch require more work from the digestive system. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 26 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for digestive system

• cryptosystem
• ecosystem
• intersystem
• multisystem
• photosystem
• subsystem

Kids Definition

digestive system

noun

: the bodily system concerned with the intake, breakdown, and absorption of food and the discharge of wastes and that includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestine, anus, and glands (as the salivary glands)

Medical Definition

digestive system

noun

: the bodily system concerned with the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of food and the discharge of residual wastes and consisting of the digestive tract and accessory glands (such as the salivary glands and the pancreas) that secrete digestive enzymes

called also alimentary system