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

Maman believed that beautiful skin is also fed from inside, with good food and a glass of red wine! — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "14 Beauty Experts on the Lessons They’ve Learned From Their Mothers," 11 May 2019 In addition, some pits have more practical features for cooking food and grilling, such as included cooking grates. — Paige Szmodis, Popular Mechanics, "The 10 Best Portable Fire Pits to Build a Campfire Anywhere," 6 May 2019 Being outside of the military alliance NATO — just like Switzerland — the government of Sweden recently distributed a 20-page leaflet that urges citizens to stockpile food and drinks themselves. — Rick Noack, The Seattle Times, "Switzerland wants to declare coffee nonessential for human survival," 12 Apr. 2019 The Falcon 9 was tasked with sending up one of SpaceX’s Dragon cargo capsules, filled with food and supplies for the crew of the International Space Station, and that’s what happened. — Loren Grush, The Verge, "For the first time ever, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket fails to stick a ground landing," 5 Dec. 2018 Everything from food and toys to clothing (hello, matching holiday pajamas), decor (see these pet stockings, STAT!), and more are deeply discounted. — Taysha Murtaugh, Country Living, "Chewy Is Offering an Entire Week's Worth of Paw-Some Pet Deals for Cyber Monday," 21 Nov. 2018 Vegetarian Egg McMuffin at McDonald’s Breakfast food is probably where vegetarians have the most meat-free options. — Sophia Caraballo, Woman's Day, "10 Fast-Food Options for Vegetarians," 17 Apr. 2019 However, the beef, kidney & pinto bean, bell pepper, and onion concoction sits on par with most other fast-food chili options. 11. — Alex Aronson, Redbook, "The 14 Best Costco Food Court Menu Items, Ranked," 4 Apr. 2019 This is how the adventure began, looking for what would be the ideal typology for a spacious food hall in Manhattan. — Vanessa Lawrence, ELLE Decor, "A Mecca of Spanish Design and Food Opens in New York," 3 Apr. 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