food

noun, often attributive

\ ˈfüd

Definition of food

1a : 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

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

2 : nutriment in solid form She gave food and drink to the hungry travelers.

3 : something that nourishes, sustains, or supplies food for thought Books were his mental food.

Other Words from food Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about food

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Examples of food in a Sentence

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

The birds can suffer when waters warm and squid and butterfish, which aren’t good puffin food, dominate local waters, Major said. — Washington Post, "Puffins fill up nesting islands this year despite challenges," 5 Aug. 2019 Not a good idea) including food, music, cultural and community exhibits and tremendous amounts of hanging out together and having fun. — Chris Kaltenbach, baltimoresun.com, "Things to do in Baltimore this week: AFRAM, Moonrise Festival, Hootie & The Blowfish and more," 4 Aug. 2019 Millard, who spent six years cooking at top restaurants in France, has a habit of making superlative food, whether that’s during the casual breakfast or lunch or a more refined five-night-a-week dinner service. — Michael Russell, oregonlive.com, "Everything Southeast Portland’s Coquine does, it does well (2019 review)," 4 Aug. 2019 Yazidis in these camps live in weather-worn tents without adequate access to food, water, electricity, education or opportunities to work. — Nadia Murad, Twin Cities, "Nadia Murad: The genocide against the Yazidi continues," 4 Aug. 2019 Kozlowski pleaded guilty on June 13 to poisoning food, drink, medicine or water supply, court records show. — Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, "He poisoned her coffee with Benadryl and got a weekends-only jail sentence," 4 Aug. 2019 The event will feature food, drink, music and watermelon after the race. — Houston Chronicle, "tr sunday calendar 0804," 4 Aug. 2019 Basket themes will include barbecue, pets, fishing, spa, gardening, baking, theater, sports, Italian food, fitness and education. — Pomerado News, "‘Keg and Cork’ fundraiser will help kids at Christmas," 4 Aug. 2019 On Friday, Levy Restaurants, the food and beverage partner at Ford Field, gave a taste of those new menu items. — Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, "1-pound loaded potatoes, smoked chicken wings headline new Ford Field food," 3 Aug. 2019

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.

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More Definitions for food

food

noun

English Language Learners Definition of food

: the things that people and animals eat

: a particular kind of food

: substances taken in by plants and used for growth

See the full definition for food in the English Language Learners Dictionary

food

noun

\ ˈfüd

Kids Definition of food

1 : the material that people and animals eat : material containing carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and supplements (as minerals and vitamins) that is taken in by and used in the living body for growth and repair and as a source of energy for activities

2 : inorganic substances (as nitrate and carbon dioxide) taken in by green plants and used to build organic nutrients

3 : organic materials (as sugar and starch) formed by plants and used in their growth and activities

4 : solid food as distinguished from drink

food

noun, often attributive

\ ˈfüd

Medical Definition of food

1 : 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)

2 : nutriment in solid form