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

The bacteria could lead to a fatal case of food poisoning, according to the FDA. —Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025

Botulism is a type of food poisoning that causes life-threatening symptoms including paralysis and difficulty breathing, according to the California Department of Public Health. —Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2025

The bacteria can cause a type of serious food poisoning that could be deadly. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

The faulty lids could allow the cans to leak or let in dangerous bacteria, leading to a risk of botulism (a potentially fatal form of food poisoning). —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

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