victual

noun

vict·​ual ˈvi-tᵊl 

1

: food usable by people

2

victuals ˈvi-tᵊlz  plural : supplies of food : provisions

Did you know?

If you're hungry for the story behind victual, get ready to dig into a rich and fulfilling history. The word derives via the Middle English and Anglo-French vitaille from the Late Latin plural noun victualia ("provisions"), and ultimately (by way of victus, meaning "nourishment" or "way of living") the Latin verb vivere, meaning "to live." Vivere is the source of a whole smorgasbord of other English words, such as vital, vivid, and survive. It's also the root of viand, another English word referring to food. There's also vittles, a word that sounds like it might be an alteration of the plural victuals (both are pronounced /VIT-ulz/) but which is actually just an earlier development of the Middle English vitaille that was served before victual.

Synonyms of victual

• food
• provisions
• bread

Examples of victual in a Sentence

sat down with a plate of hearty victuals and a mug of ale

Recent Examples on the Web

Nana and Ramos came with heaps of out-of-the-world victuals—Levallois chicken, the best chicken in the world (handpicked on the farm by the butcher), or a leg of Levallois lamb that was every bit as incomparable. —Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025

Or, just buy a bottle and some victuals from the on-site shop, and get in on the picnic action yourself. —Kristin Luna, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Middle English vitaille, victuayle, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin victualia, plural, provisions, victuals, from neuter plural of victualis of nourishment, from Latin victus nourishment, way of living, from vivere to live — more at quick entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

victual

1 of 2 noun

vict·​ual ˈvit-ᵊl 

1

: food fit for humans

2

plural : supplies of food : provisions

victual

2 of 2 verb

victualed or victualled; victualing or victualling

1

: to supply with food

2

: to store provisions