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 Even more boysenberry food and beverage items will be available at brick-and-mortar restaurants and food stands around the Buena Park theme park. Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 8 Mar. 2024 Maritime routes are the only way to transport aid, especially food and medical supplies for humanitarian and development organizations, from Port-au-Prince to the rest of the country, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General and OCHA. Caitlin Hu, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 From sunrise to sunset, the faithful abstain from food and drink and focus on prayer. Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 Health care, government, food and drinking establishments, and social assistance continued to see the largest job gains. Lauren Kaori Gurley, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 For restaurant and food news and the best things to do: @cltfive on Instagram and TikTok. Jodie Valade, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2024 The manager at the fast food restaurant called police early Wednesday to report two men standing outside the business who appeared to be under the influence of drugs, the Fullerton Police Department said in a news release. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 The show featured stories about life in Los Angeles from arts, entertainment and food to homelessness, transportation and the environment. Peter Larsen, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024 Surrendering to the glory of great wine, delicious local food and the peaceful energy that is at once electrifying and meditative brings one to an ancient way of life that has survived extinction. Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'food.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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