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
The iconic fast food company has grown beyond its California roots in recent years, opening locations in Colorado, Texas, Idaho, and as far east as Tennessee.
—
James Powel,
USA Today,
7 July 2026
Gas grills are easy to use, clean, and efficient for indirect grilling, which cooks food with ambient heat.
—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 July 2026
The food options are notably more sophisticated than standard commercial airline fare.
—
Annie Archer,
Travel + Leisure,
7 July 2026
Spreading food across a yard or floor so your dog has to use their nose to find each piece.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for food
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
James Powel,
USA Today,
7 July 2026
Gas grills are easy to use, clean, and efficient for indirect grilling, which cooks food with ambient heat.
—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 July 2026
The food options are notably more sophisticated than standard commercial airline fare.
—
Annie Archer,
Travel + Leisure,
7 July 2026
Spreading food across a yard or floor so your dog has to use their nose to find each piece.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 July 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 7 Jul. 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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