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 eatb : 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.
foodlessness
nounExplore Merriam-Webster
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
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Attendees can bring chairs or blankets to watch the movies from, as well as snacks and drinks or check out the food trucks onsite.
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The intriguing elements are the boys from Giant (Jason Vincent, Ben Lustbader, Josh Perlman), who are running the food operation (which will include breakfast, lunch and dinner), and Patrick Sheerin (ex-Trenchermen), who will be the executive chef.
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Attendees of one of Washington Park Zoological Society's two major annual fundraisers may sample beer, wine and food from regional vendors.
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There was food and water— welcome commodities amid the frequent tears.
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Universal nailed the theme, incorporating music, language, design, food and an ancient legend of the Pacific island hoppers into one grand Polynesian package.
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U.S. stocks made the tiniest of gains Friday as media companies and sellers of beauty products and food ticked higher.
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As if the food truck and colorful Miami-meets-Cali-in-a-former-Brooklyn-auto-body-shop ambience didn't clue you in.
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In fact, most civilians were dependent on a patchwork of armed rebel factions for food and protection.
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
First Known Use: before 12th century
FOOD Defined for English Language Learners
food
playDefinition of food for English Language Learners
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: the things that people and animals eat
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: a particular kind of food
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: substances taken in by plants and used for growth
FOOD Defined for Kids
food
playDefinition 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
playMedical 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
Learn More about food
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See words that rhyme with food Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for food Spanish Central: Translation of food Nglish: Translation of food for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of food for Arabic speakers
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