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
Breakfast burritos, yogurt parfaits, smoothies, and egg dishes are all opportunities to work in these food groups.
—
Sarah Garone, Health, 2 Apr. 2025
Though only a fraction of its total production of 190,000 tons, these exports reflect growing global interest in artisanal, traceable, and culturally rich food products.
—Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
In 2020, Stephanie Swift was a single mom struggling to support her family with her job in the food industry.
—Chéri Pierre, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
Guests can sip and savor cocktails and canapés from — as of now — 20 restaurants, breweries, bakeries and other food purveyors.
—Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for food
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Sarah Garone, Health, 2 Apr. 2025
Though only a fraction of its total production of 190,000 tons, these exports reflect growing global interest in artisanal, traceable, and culturally rich food products.
—Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
In 2020, Stephanie Swift was a single mom struggling to support her family with her job in the food industry.
—Chéri Pierre, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
Guests can sip and savor cocktails and canapés from — as of now — 20 restaurants, breweries, bakeries and other food purveyors.
—Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 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 4 Apr. 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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