food web

American  

[food web] / ˈfud ˌwɛb /

noun

Ecology.

1. a series of organisms related by predator-prey and consumer-resource interactions; the entirety of interrelated food chains in an ecological community.

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food web British  

noun

1. a combination of food chains that integrate to form a network

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food web Scientific  

1. See under food chain

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Etymology

Origin of food web

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

"Nudibranchs are one of the key players in the marine food web," the research team explained.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

The evidence suggests that giant octopuses were an exception, rising to the top levels of the food web and competing directly with large vertebrates.

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2026

Instead, they argue that complex food web dynamics require careful analysis and strong evidence.

From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 2026

Microplastics, along with ultra-tiny nanoplastics, can kill or severely sicken marine life before entering the food web and ultimately ending up on our plates.

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

While scientists are still determining their exact position in the food web, nematodes are known to be ecologically important in many environments.

From Science Daily • Jan. 10, 2026