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.
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
Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, also known as the World Wine Guys, are wine, spirits, food, and travel writers, educators, and hosts.
—
Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 4 May 2025
Cut food into small pieces, chew slowly and gently, and avoid using affected areas.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 3 May 2025
These raffles could include Substack subscriptions or cooking classes by more cookbook authors, content creators and others in the food industry.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
The diet, also known as the caveman or Stone-Age diet, is based on foods that humans ate during the Paleolithic era, according to Cleveland Clinic.
—Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for food
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Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 4 May 2025
Cut food into small pieces, chew slowly and gently, and avoid using affected areas.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 3 May 2025
These raffles could include Substack subscriptions or cooking classes by more cookbook authors, content creators and others in the food industry.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
The diet, also known as the caveman or Stone-Age diet, is based on foods that humans ate during the Paleolithic era, according to Cleveland Clinic.
—Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for food
Cite this Entry
“Food.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
food
noun1
: 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
nounoften 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
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