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.
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
When visiting Vevey, travelers can discover the town’s art galleries, music festivals, and theaters, as well as Alimentarium, the world’s first museum dedicated to food and nutrition, and Chaplin’s World, a museum honoring Charlie Chaplin housed in his former residence.
—
Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026
There will be lots of food and music.
—Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026
Located on the bottom floor of the hotel, the food hall will offer general seating and a variety of restaurants with counter-service.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
However, Prime members do receive fast shipping on all orders, which is beneficial for heavy items like pet food and cat litter.
—Jessica Moore, USA Today, 24 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for food
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Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026
There will be lots of food and music.
—Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026
Located on the bottom floor of the hotel, the food hall will offer general seating and a variety of restaurants with counter-service.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
However, Prime members do receive fast shipping on all orders, which is beneficial for heavy items like pet food and cat litter.
—Jessica Moore, USA Today, 24 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for food
Cite this Entry
“Food.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food. Accessed 29 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
food
noun1
: 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
nounoften 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
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