food

1 of 2

noun

ˈfüd How to pronounce food (audio)
Synonyms of foodnext
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
ˈfüd-ləs How to pronounce food (audio)
adjective
foodlessness noun

foodless

2 of 2

adjective

food·​less
: lacking food : barren of food
foodlessness noun
plural -es

Synonyms of food

Relevance

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of food in a Sentence

Noun 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.
Noun
For the mostly Hispanic agriculture and food processing workers, the data center boom hasn’t been all good. — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026 Some of this new breed of travel and food reviewers started as hobbyists and now do it full-time. — Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Their sustainable food and beverage operations include harvesting fruit and vegetables from their on-site pesticide-free garden and their ongoing relationships with local farmers. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026 Wegovy must be taken first thing in the morning with a sip of water and no other food or drink for at least 30 minutes. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for food

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

Adjective

Middle English fodeles, from fode food + -les

First Known Use

Noun

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

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

Phrases Containing food

Rhymes for food

See All Rhymes for food

Browse Nearby Words

foo
food
food ball
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Food.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

food

noun
ˈfüd How to pronounce food (audio)
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
ˈfüd How to pronounce food (audio)
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

Nglish: Translation of food for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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