digestive

1 of 2

noun

di·​ges·​tive dī-ˈje-stiv How to pronounce digestive (audio)
də-
: an aid to digestion especially of food

digestive

2 of 2

adjective

1
: relating to or functioning in digestion
the digestive system
digestive disorders
digestive organs
2
: having the power to cause or promote digestion
digestive enzymes
digestively adverb

Examples of digestive in a Sentence

Adjective the digestive system of the body
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.
Noun
While many Amari are meant to be consumed as a digestive after a meal, drinks like Select are meant to be consumed before to stimulate the appetite. Gina Pace, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 And the snacks, the Celebrations, the Jaffa Cakes and the digestives and the tea in the bath. Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Sep. 2024
Adjective
The mood disorder can also have physical symptoms, as well, including digestive issues and headaches.8 Another physical symptom that has been linked to depression is nocturnal leg cramps.5 5. Laura Schober, Health, 8 Dec. 2024 Yet, in a world where digestive issues are common, finding a dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth while supporting gut health can feel like a challenge. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for digestive 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of digestive was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near digestive

Cite this Entry

“Digestive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/digestive. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

digestive

adjective
di·​ges·​tive
dī-ˈjes-tiv,
də-
1
: of or relating to digestion
digestive processes
2
: having the power to cause or help digestion
digestive enzymes

Medical Definition

digestive

1 of 2 noun
di·​ges·​tive -ˈjes-tiv How to pronounce digestive (audio)
1
: something that aids digestion especially of food compare digestant
2
: a substance which promotes suppuration

digestive

2 of 2 adjective
1
: relating to or functioning in digestion
digestive processes
2
: having the power to cause or promote digestion
digestive enzymes
digestively adverb
digestiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on digestive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!