foodstuff

noun

food·​stuff ˈfüd-ˌstəf 

: a substance with food value

specifically : the raw material of food before or after processing

Synonyms of foodstuff

• food
• provisions
• bread

Examples of foodstuff in a Sentence

stocked up on candles and foodstuffs before the hurricane

Recent Examples on the Web

The penchant to serve gently sour flavors side by side with triumphs of dairy and wheat, two foodstuffs that embody comfort and warmth? — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

The half-day Istanbul tour was amazing, with a visit to Zeyrek Mosque, exploring the Basilica Cistern, and wandering the Spice Market, alive with the most fragrant foodstuffs. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026

Goods and foodstuffs reached Rome from across the Mediterranean and beyond, including spices from Asia. — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Sep. 2026

In the book’s 16 central chapters, Roden wanders from central categories such as yogurt, egg dishes, breads and pickles, showing how the countries of this region prepare stunning variations of common foodstuffs. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foodstuff

• dyestuff
• enough
• handcuff
• rebuff
• tartuffe
• buff
• cuff
• duff
• fluff
• gruff
• hough
• huff

Kids Definition

foodstuff

noun

food·​stuff ˈfüd-ˌstəf 

: a substance with food value

especially : a specific nutrient (as protein or fat)

Medical Definition

foodstuff

noun

food·​stuff ˈfüd-ˌstəf 

: a substance with food value

especially : a specific nutrient (as a fat or protein)