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

His digestive system was wrecked by recurring dysentery and colic, and the calomel prescribed by his doctors only made things worse. —Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026

Unlike its soluble sister, this kind of fiber passes right through us and exits virtually unchanged, speeding the movement of food through the digestive system and adding bulk to our stool, according to the FDA. —Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 23 Feb. 2026

This combination helps soften stool while keeping your digestive system moving. —Brandi Jones, Health, 23 Feb. 2026

Individuals with sensitive digestive systems, irritable bowel syndrome or difficulty tolerating large amounts of oats may especially need to limit frequency or portion size. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 21 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