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

And later that evening, guests started experiencing symptoms of food poisoning. —Ashley Vega, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025

Dressing from Trader Joe's was impacted due to undeclared allergens, while a juice was recalled due to contamination from botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning. —Jenna Anderson, Health, 4 Apr. 2025

Authorities initially believed food poisoning may have contributed to Miller’s death in Costa Rica, but high levels of carbon monoxide were later found in his hotel room. —Meredith Nardino, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025

The focus of the investigation has shifted to possible food poisoning, a judicial official told Fox News Digital Wednesday. —Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 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