ingest

verb

in·​gest in-ˈjest How to pronounce ingest (audio)
ingested; ingesting; ingests
Synonyms of ingestnext

transitive verb

: to take in for or as if for digestion
ingestible adjective
ingestive adjective

Examples of ingest in a Sentence

The drug is more easily ingested in pill form. claims that the average person ingests considerably more calories than is necessary or desirable
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.
Many are also toxic if ingested. Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2026 Infant botulism is a serious illness that develops when an infant ingests spores of the botulinum bacteria, which then colonize the baby’s underdeveloped gut and begin producing a toxin. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 29 Dec. 2025 Once ingested, collagen is broken down into amino acids in the stomach. Sara Braun, Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025 Dandelions may be sprayed with pesticides that can be dangerous when ingested. Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 29 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ingest

Word History

Etymology

Latin ingestus, past participle of ingerere to carry in, from in- + gerere to bear

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ingest was in 1620

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ingest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ingest. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

ingest

verb
in·​gest in-ˈjest How to pronounce ingest (audio)
: to take in for or as if for digestion
ingestion noun

Medical Definition

ingest

transitive verb
in·​gest in-ˈjest How to pronounce ingest (audio)
: to take in for or as if for digestion

More from Merriam-Webster on ingest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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