food

noun

often attributive
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.
foodless adjective
foodlessness noun

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 on the Web Each one cleans carpet, upholstery, and hard floors, effectively snapping up small debris like dust and dirt plus larger particles like hair and food crumbs. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 20 Mar. 2024 This year, Outside Joke: The Hub of Netflix is a Joke Fest is transforming the Hollywood Palladium grounds into an epicenter of outdoor fun with live stand-up, surprise drop-ins from the biggest names in comedy, games, food and merch. Ali Lerman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024 Rent and food were expensive, and her budget as a master’s student at UC Berkeley only stretched so far. Will McCarthy, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2024 In addition to the music, the festival highlights the region’s artisanal food and craft beer scene, as well as hosts programming dedicated to comedy, visual art, literature, and family fun. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2024 This can have devastating impacts on the thousands of fish, crabs and other marine species that rely on the reefs for refuge and food. Sabrina Weiss, WIRED, 20 Mar. 2024 Britain had the worst inflation in the Group of Seven nations last year after a jump in food and energy prices prompted workers to demand higher wages. Tom Rees, Fortune Europe, 20 Mar. 2024 The World Food Programme estimates that at least 300 trucks are needed to enter Gaza every day and distribute food to meet only the basic hunger needs. Helen Regan, CNN, 19 Mar. 2024 Even more boysenberry food and beverage items will be available at brick-and-mortar restaurants and food stands around the Buena Park theme park. Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'food.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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 the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of food was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near food

Cite this Entry

“Food.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

food

noun
1
: material containing or consisting of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins used in the body of an animal to sustain growth, repair, and vital processes and to furnish energy
also : such material together with extra substances (as vitamins and minerals)
2
a
: organic substances taken in by green plants and used to build organic nutrients
b
: organic material produced by green plants and used by them as building material and as a source of energy
3
: nourishment in solid form
4
: something that nourishes, supports, or supplies
food for thought

Medical Definition

food

noun
often attributive
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

More from Merriam-Webster on food

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