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

Smoking can increase the risk of lung cancer, respiratory diseases, and can also affect the immune system, digestive system and brain health, according to health experts at LifeBridge Health. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026

The disease begins as a growth of cells inside the pancreas; the organ is part of the digestive system, and helps make enzymes to digest food, as well as hormones for managing blood sugar, per the website. —Sarah Sotoodeh, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026

Kimchi is nutritious but high in sodium and may not be suitable for people with high blood pressure, seafood allergies, or sensitive digestive systems. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 28 Jan. 2026

Oatmeal helps reduce cholesterol by binding soluble fiber to cholesterol-rich bile acids in the digestive system. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 28 Jan. 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