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

Coyotes have versatile palettes and fortified digestive systems. —Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 17 Feb. 2026

Symptoms from an unbalanced gut aren’t limited to your stomach and digestive system. —Rena Goldman, Health, 17 Feb. 2026

Hydration is essential, too, since fluids help fiber move through the digestive system and reduce discomfort. —Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum, which makes up the large intestine in the digestive system. —Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 11 Feb. 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