food pyramid

noun

1

: an ecological hierarchy of food relationships in which a chief predator is at the top, each level preys on the next lower level, and usually green plants are at the bottom

2

: a pyramid-shaped depiction of recommended daily servings for different food groups (such as vegetables, grains, dairy products, and meats)

Examples of food pyramid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The new food pyramid has been flipped on its head, with HHS officials releasing guidance that prioritizes meat, dairy and vegetables and pushes whole grains to the bottom. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026

Here are some of the standout differences between the old and new food pyramids and what Kentuckians should know about it. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026

Here is what's different about the new food pyramid from the Department of Health and Human Services. —Bart Jansen, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026

The Department of Health and Human Services’ updated nutritional guidelines, released Wednesday, are a stark departure from prior food pyramids. —Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

food pyramid

noun

: a series of levels of ecological food relationships arranged by levels in which a chief predator is at the top, each level preys on the next lower level, and green plants are usually at the bottom