food

noun

ˈfüd

often attributive

: material consisting essentially of protein, carbohydrate, and fat used in the body of an organism to sustain growth, repair, and vital processes and to furnish energy

also : such food together with supplementary substances (such as minerals, vitamins, and condiments)

drought victims who don't have enough food to eat

: inorganic substances absorbed by plants in gaseous form or in water solution

: nutriment in solid form

She gave food and drink to the hungry travelers.

: something that nourishes, sustains, or supplies

food for thought

Books were his mental food.

foodless

ˈfüd-ləs

adjective

foodlessness noun

Example Sentences

a farmer who grows his own food drought victims who don't have enough food to eat She gave food and drink to the hungry travelers. What is your favorite food? fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods

Recent Examples on the Web Production had ordered pizzas for those arriving, but there wasn’t enough food to go around, and some people went to bed hungry. —

Manori Ravindran, Variety, 3 Feb. 2023 Tikkis, also known as cutlets or patties, are a popular street food from the northern part of India. —

Amisha Gurbani, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Feb. 2023 So there was food on the table and a roof over my head. —

Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Feb. 2023 Since corn is a low-acid food, it must be processed in a pressure canner to eliminate harmful bacteria. —

Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2023 Our knowledge of nutrition is greater than ever, yet there is easily accessible fast food with trans fats and high-fructose corn syrup on every street corner. —

WSJ, 31 Jan. 2023 There will be food from Srodek's and Pietrzyk Pierogi, music from legend Jotown and Pączki Day Vodka and special cocktails. —

Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 29 Jan. 2023 Phosphorus from poultry litter is a key food for algae, and algae destroys water clarity and drains dissolved oxygen from water, Frizzell said. —

Doug Thompson, Arkansas Online, 29 Jan. 2023 According to these guidelines, Solein isn’t yet technically a food. —

Tamar Adler, Vogue, 26 Jan. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'food.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fode, from Old English fōda; akin to Old High German fuotar food, fodder, Latin panis bread, pascere to feed

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of food was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Articles Related to food

Name That Food

Can you tell your macaroons from your macarons?

Name More Food

Know the difference between a papaya and a pitahaya?

Flexible Words for Your Favorite Foods

This list is not FDA-approved.

Cite this Entry

Style

“Food.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food. Accessed 9 Feb. 2023.

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Kids Definition

food

noun

ˈfüd

: material containing or consisting of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins used in the body of an animal to sustain growth, repair, and vital processes and to furnish energy

also : such material together with extra substances (as vitamins and minerals)

: organic substances taken in by green plants and used to build organic nutrients

: organic material produced by green plants and used by them as building material and as a source of energy

: nourishment in solid form

: something that nourishes, supports, or supplies

food for thought

Medical Definition

food

noun

ˈfüd

often attributive

: material consisting essentially of protein, carbohydrate, and fat used in the body of an organism to sustain growth, repair, and vital processes and to furnish energy

also : such material together with supplementary substances (as minerals, vitamins, and condiments)

: nutriment in solid form