food

noun, often attributive \ ˈfüd \

|Updated on: 13 Jun 2018

Definition of food

1 a : 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.

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foodless

play \ˈfüd-ləs\ adjective

—

foodlessness

noun

See food defined for English-language learners

See food defined for kids

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 of food from the Web

The area buzzed with volunteers bringing absurd quantities of clothing and food, as well as journalists looking for stories.

— The Economist, "Grenfell’s long shadow," 9 June 2018
Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food.

— laura bradley, HWD, "Anthony Bourdain’s Boundless Curiosity Was an Inspiration," 8 June 2018
While the Jewish population has been scapegoats for centuries, its food had permeated the culture.

— michael bauer, San Francisco Chronicle, "Che Fico lives up to hype as most anticipated newcomer," 8 June 2018
Good food, good eating, is all about blood and organs, cruelty and decay.

— gwynedd stuart, Los Angeles Magazine, "Anthony Bourdain’s 1999 New Yorker Essay Is Still a Masterpiece," 8 June 2018
The event, a major fundraiser for Poway OnStage, will include food, beer and wine tasting, entertainment and a live and silent auction.

— emily sorensen, Pomerado News, "Taste of Our Towne is June 16," 8 June 2018
The rules are the same for children or adults: Put your napkin in your lap, talk to people on your left and your right, wait until everyone has their food before eating, and, of course, no phones at the dinner table.

— melissa locker, Southern Living, "Southern Traditions We Want to Bring Back–And You Will Too!," 7 June 2018
Parks were the fourth most common answer, after food, bars and music.

— leah asmelash, charlotteobserver, "Charlotte's parks are consistently ranked worst in the country. Here's why.," 7 June 2018
Humans are the only animals that cook their food, an innovation that changed the course of our evolution and the trajectory of the planet.

— The Atlantic, "How the Gas Oven Changed Humans’ Relationship With Fire," 6 June 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of food

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

food Synonyms

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

FOOD Defined for English Language Learners

food

noun

Definition of food for English Language Learners

: the things that people and animals eat
: a particular kind of food
: substances taken in by plants and used for growth

FOOD Defined for Kids

food

noun \ ˈfüd \

Definition of food for Students

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

Medical Dictionary

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