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

Beyond ulcerative colitis, the company also has a mid-stage program for Crohn’s disease, another inflammatory condition in the digestive system. —Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2025

Grapefruit juice can interact with medications, irritate sensitive digestive systems, and require mindful portion control. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 15 Dec. 2025

Your baby’s digestive system is still developing, and reflux is common and often normal after feeding. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 4 Dec. 2025

Changes in routine, dietary habits, sleep schedules, and other factors can disrupt your digestive system's functions and lead to constipation while traveling. —Barbara Bolen, Verywell Health, 25 Nov. 2025

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