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

At least 45 people in nearly two dozen states have been sickened with salmonella food poisoning tied to the Super Greens brand of diet supplement powder, federal health officials said last week. —Jonel Aleccia, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2026

Avoiding Food Poisoning Avoiding food poisoning overseas should be a top concern for any traveler. —Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026

Bacteria that cause food poisoning often contaminate raw chicken. —Carley Millhone, Health, 10 Jan. 2026

Cereulide, the toxin found in the formula products, is produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus and can cause food poisoning symptoms, including severe or persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual lethargy. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 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