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

This high temperature kills bacteria and significantly lowers the risk of food poisoning. —Kumkum S. Patel, Verywell Health, 10 Jan. 2025

Other recalls, specifically those linked to listeria or E.coli contamination, are for food products that lead to food poisoning or even death. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

At least three members of a family have died, and three others have been hospitalized, after eating a traditional Christmas cake — months after the baker's husband died from food poisoning. —Latoya Gayle, People.com, 28 Dec. 2024

Although washing and cooking food helps prevent food poisoning, proper storage is the first step. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 18 Dec. 2024

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