processed
adjective
pro·cessed
ˈprä-ˌsest 
ˈprō-,
-səst
: having been subjected to a special process or treatment (as in the course of manufacture)
Just as processed food has been robbed of its nutrients, processed hair has been robbed of much of its health.—
Essence
EssenceThe mythical fountain of youth now is filled with white tea. The pale, minimally processed Chinese tea is being pitched as the next great thing for drinking and as a cosmetics ingredient.—The Grand Rapids (Michigan) Press
The Grand Rapids (Michigan) PressThe main dietary sources of sodium are common salt used in cooking and for seasoning and especially the increased amount of sodium compounds used in processed foods.—Sue Rodwell Williams
Sue Rodwell WilliamsExamples of processed in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Key Takeaways Eating a low-carb breakfast can prevent post-breakfast blood sugar spikes, compared to breakfasts high in sugary and processed carbs.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 16 Jan. 2026
Anti-inflammatory breakfasts should have whole, non-processed foods.
—Lauren O'Connor, Health, 7 Jan. 2026
And even high-protein products can come in highly processed and potentially harmful forms.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 7 Jan. 2026
Diets high in processed or red meats and low in fruits and vegetables, as well as high alcohol consumption, may also contribute to pancreatic cancer risk, along with some occupational chemical exposures, per multiple cancer agencies.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 24 Dec. 2025
For now, there's no avoiding the fact that the majority of the foods sold in grocery stores are ultra-processed, says Wolfson of Johns Hopkins.
—Maria Godoy, NPR, 10 Nov. 2025
The light data was then post-processed using astronomy software to create a spectacular nebula spacescape.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025
These tend to be less processed and have fewer additives than mixed meats such as ham, salami and bologna.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
Excluding sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, obesity now exceeds underweight in all regions, researchers said, with ultra-processed and fast foods that are high in sugar, refined starch, salt, unhealthy fats and additives being targeted at and consumed by children.
—Amy Woodyatt, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
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Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 16 Jan. 2026
Anti-inflammatory breakfasts should have whole, non-processed foods.
—Lauren O'Connor, Health, 7 Jan. 2026
And even high-protein products can come in highly processed and potentially harmful forms.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 7 Jan. 2026
Diets high in processed or red meats and low in fruits and vegetables, as well as high alcohol consumption, may also contribute to pancreatic cancer risk, along with some occupational chemical exposures, per multiple cancer agencies.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 24 Dec. 2025
For now, there's no avoiding the fact that the majority of the foods sold in grocery stores are ultra-processed, says Wolfson of Johns Hopkins.
—Maria Godoy, NPR, 10 Nov. 2025
The light data was then post-processed using astronomy software to create a spectacular nebula spacescape.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025
These tend to be less processed and have fewer additives than mixed meats such as ham, salami and bologna.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
Excluding sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, obesity now exceeds underweight in all regions, researchers said, with ultra-processed and fast foods that are high in sugar, refined starch, salt, unhealthy fats and additives being targeted at and consumed by children.
—Amy Woodyatt, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Processed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/processed. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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