food poisoning

noun

: an acute gastrointestinal disorder caused by bacteria or their toxic products or by chemical residues in food

Examples of food poisoning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some users have referenced past versions of the trend and warned about earlier reports of food poisoning linked to similar behavior. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

Commenters on the platform have raised concerns, with some referencing past versions of the trend and warning about earlier reports of food poisoning linked to similar behavior. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026

Norovirus Can Cause Extreme Illness Norovirus, the most common cause of food poisoning in the United States, can cause intense diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 21 Apr. 2026

What are the symptoms of rotavirus The symptoms of rotavirus are a lot like those of noroviruses or food poisoning— severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomach pain, the CDC said. —Don Sweeney april 6, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

food poisoning

noun

: a digestive sickness caused by bacteria or by chemicals in food

Medical Definition

food poisoning

noun

1

: either of two acute gastrointestinal disorders caused by bacteria or their toxic products:

a

: a rapidly developing intoxication marked by nausea, vomiting, prostration, and often severe diarrhea and caused by the presence in food of toxic products produced by bacteria (as some staphylococci)

b

: a less rapidly developing infection especially with salmonellae that has generally similar symptoms and that results from multiplication of bacteria ingested with contaminated food

2

: a gastrointestinal disturbance occurring after consumption of food that is contaminated with chemical residues (as from sprays) or food (as some fungi) that is inherently unsuitable for human consumption