food

noun

often attributive
1
a
: material consisting essentially of protein, carbohydrate, and fat used in the body of an organism to sustain growth, repair, and vital processes and to furnish energy
also : such food together with supplementary substances (such as minerals, vitamins, and condiments)
drought victims who don't have enough food to eat
b
: inorganic substances absorbed by plants in gaseous form or in water solution
2
: nutriment in solid form
She gave food and drink to the hungry travelers.
3
: something that nourishes, sustains, or supplies
food for thought
Books were his mental food.
foodless adjective
foodlessness noun

Examples of food in a Sentence

a farmer who grows his own food drought victims who don't have enough food to eat She gave food and drink to the hungry travelers. What is your favorite food? fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods
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.
Lastly, rather than meeting people at the bar, go fill up your food plate. Jess Cording, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 Simon’s Bar & Cafe was a favorite of legislative staffers and lobbyists from 1984 until its closure in November 2023, the go-to spot for end-of-session revelry and late-night plates of Chinese food. Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 19 Jan. 2025 Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, also known as the World Wine Guys, are wine, spirits, food, and travel writers, educators, and hosts. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 19 Jan. 2025 Most major restaurant chains will be serving food, but make sure to check with local stores and restaurants for their hours. Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for food 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fode, from Old English fōda; akin to Old High German fuotar food, fodder, Latin panis bread, pascere to feed

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of food was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near food

Cite this Entry

“Food.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

food

noun
1
: material containing or consisting of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins used in the body of an animal to sustain growth, repair, and vital processes and to furnish energy
also : such material together with extra substances (as vitamins and minerals)
2
a
: organic substances taken in by green plants and used to build organic nutrients
b
: organic material produced by green plants and used by them as building material and as a source of energy
3
: nourishment in solid form
4
: something that nourishes, supports, or supplies
food for thought

Medical Definition

food

noun
often attributive
1
: material consisting essentially of protein, carbohydrate, and fat used in the body of an organism to sustain growth, repair, and vital processes and to furnish energy
also : such material together with supplementary substances (as minerals, vitamins, and condiments)
2
: nutriment in solid form

More from Merriam-Webster on food

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