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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The event will feature food and drinks for sale, open art galleries that audience members can visit during intermission and more. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025 That’s on top of massive cuts in food assistance since the Trump regime returned to power — at a time when food insecurity has risen in all 50 states since 2021. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2025 Often spotted scavenging food or rummaging through campsites, weka are adaptable and intelligent, traits that have helped some regional populations thrive. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025 For days, many were trapped with no electricity, no food, no medical care, and exposure to raw sewage. Victoria MacHado, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for food

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Food.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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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