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
Synonyms
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
Advocates say raw milk contains more beneficial nutrients than pasteurized milk, but food scientists have argued there is no meaningful difference—other than risk—between the two products.
—
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
First, clear your sink by tossing any food scraps from the drain into the trash or washing them down the disposal.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
Keeping those items on the bottom shelf can help prevent cross-contamination with veggies or other foods in the fridge.
—Alyssa Shaffer, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2024
University of Texas Longhorns left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is one of the most imposing men in college football, as well as one of the biggest people (literally) in the food influencer space.
—Matthew Odam, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for food 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
First, clear your sink by tossing any food scraps from the drain into the trash or washing them down the disposal.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
Keeping those items on the bottom shelf can help prevent cross-contamination with veggies or other foods in the fridge.
—Alyssa Shaffer, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2024
University of Texas Longhorns left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is one of the most imposing men in college football, as well as one of the biggest people (literally) in the food influencer space.
—Matthew Odam, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for food
Dictionary Entries Near food
Cite this Entry
“Food.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share