digestive system

noun

: the bodily system concerned with the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of food and the discharge of residual wastes and consisting of the digestive tract and accessory glands (such as the salivary glands and the pancreas) that secrete digestive enzymes

Examples of digestive system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The museum’s collection includes centuries-old books and a bottle of ambergris (a substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales), as well as elaborations on perfume’s long history. —Shauna Lyon, New Yorker, 4 July 2025

Find What Works Best for You Regarding pre-, intra-, and post-run fueling, every runner's digestive system and energy needs are unique. —Aviv Joshua, Verywell Health, 13 June 2025

They’re packed with good-for-you probiotics that can support a healthy digestive system, along with other nutrients. —Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 11 June 2025

This may be especially relevant for individuals with sensitive digestive systems or gastrointestinal conditions. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for digestive system

• cryptosystem
• ecosystem
• intersystem
• multisystem
• photosystem
• subsystem

Kids Definition

digestive system

noun

: the bodily system concerned with the intake, breakdown, and absorption of food and the discharge of wastes and that includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestine, anus, and glands (as the salivary glands)

Medical Definition

digestive system

noun

: the bodily system concerned with the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of food and the discharge of residual wastes and consisting of the digestive tract and accessory glands (such as the salivary glands and the pancreas) that secrete digestive enzymes

called also alimentary system