1
: to take in through the mouth as food : ingest, chew, and swallow in turn
2
a
: to destroy, consume, or waste by or as if by eating
Marketing expenses were eating into the profits.
gadgets that eat up too much space
tides eating away the shoreline
b
: to bear the expense of : take a loss on
The team was forced to eat the rest of his contract.
3
4
: to enjoy eagerly or avidly : lap
—used with up
It was an amazing performance and the crowd ate it up.
5
usually vulgar
: to perform fellatio or cunnilingus on
—often used with out
1
: to take food or a meal see also eat up
2
: to affect something by gradual destruction or consumption
—usually used with into, away, or at
The loss was really eating at her.
The controversy ate into his support.
eater
noun
plural eaters
Synonyms
Examples of eat in a Sentence
Verb
You'll feel better if you eat something.
I ate a big breakfast so I'm not very hungry.
They like to eat at home.
Noun
there are some good eats at the buffet table
Recent Examples on the Web
Ann Maloney, NOLA.com, 19 July 2017
New this year to True Nature is a retreat for those with eating disorders and their family members.
—Plain Dealer Guest Writer, cleveland.com, 19 July 2017
Lynn Forbes, The Mercury News, 4 Oct. 2024
With social, political and financial tensions at a boiling point, two Detroit restaurant owners are carving a space in the heart of Midtown for guests to unwind and commune over affordable drinks and simple eats in a relaxed setting.
—Lyndsay C. Green, Detroit Free Press, 28 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for eat 
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.
Verb
Eating it: Some folks spoon directly into their mouths.
—Ann Maloney, NOLA.com, 19 July 2017
New this year to True Nature is a retreat for those with eating disorders and their family members.
—Plain Dealer Guest Writer, cleveland.com, 19 July 2017
Noun
The book features a comprehensive introduction to the history and benefits of cannabis, a fool-proof guide to finding your perfect dose, and 60 reliable recipes that redefine stoner eats.
—Lynn Forbes, The Mercury News, 4 Oct. 2024
With social, political and financial tensions at a boiling point, two Detroit restaurant owners are carving a space in the heart of Midtown for guests to unwind and commune over affordable drinks and simple eats in a relaxed setting.
—Lyndsay C. Green, Detroit Free Press, 28 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for eat
Dictionary Entries Near eat
Cite this Entry
“Eat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eat. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share