digestive

1 of 2

noun

di·​ges·​tive dī-ˈje-stiv 

də-

: an aid to digestion especially of food

digestive

2 of 2

adjective

1

: relating to or functioning in digestion

the digestive system

digestive disorders

digestive organs

2

: having the power to cause or promote digestion

digestive enzymes

digestively adverb

Examples of digestive in a Sentence

Adjective

the digestive system of the body

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Our favorites include Alphonso mango; meetha paan, a sweet digestive wrapped in betel leaves; gulab jamun and blueberry lavender. —Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2025

Thanksgiving cactus or false Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is similarly easy-care but has caused some mild reactions like digestive upset in dogs and ataxia (temporary loss of muscle coordination) in cats. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024

Adjective

Parsnips Often recognized for their digestive health benefits due to their fiber, parsnips are also rich in magnesium. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 9 May 2025

Too much exposure to cortisol and other such stress hormones can lead to bad stuff like anxiety, depression, memory difficulties, headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, sleep problems, high blood pressure and heart disease. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing digestive

• digestive gland
• digestive system
• digestive tract

Rhymes for digestive

• congestive
• suggestive
• festive
• restive

Kids Definition

digestive

adjective

di·​ges·​tive

dī-ˈjes-tiv,

də-

1

: of or relating to digestion

digestive processes

2

: having the power to cause or help digestion

digestive enzymes

Medical Definition

digestive

1 of 2 noun

di·​ges·​tive -ˈjes-tiv 

1

: something that aids digestion especially of food compare digestant

2

: a substance which promotes suppuration

digestive

2 of 2 adjective

1

: relating to or functioning in digestion

digestive processes

2

: having the power to cause or promote digestion

digestive enzymes

digestively adverb

digestiveness noun