food

1 of 2

noun

ˈfüd 

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

ˈfüd-ləs 

adjective

foodlessness noun

foodless

2 of 2

adjective

food·​less

: lacking food : barren of food

foodlessness noun

plural -es

Synonyms of food

Noun

• provisions
• bread
• meat
• eats
• meal
• fare
• foodstuffs
• table

Examples of food in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

Every small step toward ensuring our fellow neighbors have access to fresh, nutritious food helps to build a healthier, more vibrant community. —Michael Farver, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2026

In 2001, food-freedom advocates, including Stewart, successfully petitioned the county to weaken regulations, providing McAfee access to a new pool of customers. —CNN Money, 14 June 2026

Cost Everything is relative, but prices across the Amalfi Coast and on Capri—for everything from food and drinks to accommodations and taxis—are high compared to many other Italian destinations. —Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026

Seeing the tourist sights in Boston Visitors have spent their time enjoying the city's atmosphere, hot weather, drinks and local food, while also taking in some of Boston's most famous attractions. —Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 14 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English fode, from Old English fōda; akin to Old High German fuotar food, fodder, Latin panis bread, pascere to feed

Adjective

Middle English fodeles, from fode food + -les

First Known Use

Noun

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

Phrases Containing food

• angel food cake
• baby food
• comfort food
• devil's food cake
• fast-food
• finger food
• food bank
• food-borne
• food chain
• food coma
• food court
• food desert
• food fight
• food for thought
• food-insecure
• food insecurity
• food pantry
• food poisoning
• food processor
• food pyramid
• food secure
• food security
• food stamp
• food truck
• food vacuole
• food web
• functional food
• health food
• junk food
• natural food
• plant food
• play with one's food
• soul food
• street food
• whole food

Rhymes for food

• blued
• booed
• brewed
• brood
• chewed
• cooed
• coude
• crude
• cued
• dude
• feud
• glued

Kids Definition

food

noun

ˈfüd 

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

ˈfüd 

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