food poisoning

noun

: an acute gastrointestinal disorder caused by bacteria or their toxic products or by chemical residues in food

Examples of food poisoning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Likewise, humans with symptoms of food poisoning after contact with these dog treats should contact a healthcare provider. Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024 Staph can multiply in food and even make a toxin that causes food poisoning even after cooking. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024 Nobody wants to deal with food poisoning, especially on Thanksgiving. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Nov. 2024 Salmonella is the most common cause of food poisoning in the U.S. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for food poisoning 

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of food poisoning was in 1856

Dictionary Entries Near food poisoning

Cite this Entry

“Food poisoning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food%20poisoning. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

food poisoning

noun
: a digestive sickness caused by bacteria or by chemicals in food

Medical Definition

food poisoning

noun
1
: either of two acute gastrointestinal disorders caused by bacteria or their toxic products:
a
: a rapidly developing intoxication marked by nausea, vomiting, prostration, and often severe diarrhea and caused by the presence in food of toxic products produced by bacteria (as some staphylococci)
b
: a less rapidly developing infection especially with salmonellae that has generally similar symptoms and that results from multiplication of bacteria ingested with contaminated food
2
: a gastrointestinal disturbance occurring after consumption of food that is contaminated with chemical residues (as from sprays) or food (as some fungi) that is inherently unsuitable for human consumption

More from Merriam-Webster on food poisoning

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