food

[food]

noun

1. any nourishing substance that is eaten, drunk, or otherwise taken into the body to sustain life, provide energy, promote growth, etc.

   Synonyms: menu, diet, meat, sustenance, bread, aliment, nutriment

2. more or less solid nourishment, as distinguished from liquids.

3. a particular kind of solid nourishment.

   a breakfast food; dog food.

4. whatever supplies nourishment to organisms.

   plant food.

5. anything serving for consumption or use.

   food for thought.

food

/ fuːd /

noun

1. any substance containing nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, that can be ingested by a living organism and metabolized into energy and body tissue

2. nourishment in more or less solid form as opposed to liquid form

   food and drink

3. anything that provides mental nourishment or stimulus

   food for thought

Other Word Forms

• foodless adjective
• foodlessness noun
• nonfood noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of food¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English fode, Old English fōda; compare Old English fēdan, Gothic fōdjan feed; fodder ( def. ), foster

Word History and Origins

Origin of food¹

Old English fōda ; related to Old Frisian fōdia to nourish, feed, Old Norse fœthi , Gothic fōdeins food; see _feed , _fodder

Synonym Study

Food, fare, provisions, ration(s) all refer to nutriment. Food is the general word: Breakfast foods have become very popular. Many animals prefer grass as food. Fare refers to the whole range of foods that may nourish a person or animal: an extensive bill of fare; The fare of some animals is limited in range. Provisions is applied to a store or stock of necessary things, especially food, prepared beforehand: provisions for a journey. Ration implies an allotment or allowance of provisions: a daily ration for each man of a company. Rations often means food in general: to be on short rations.

Example Sentences

Consumer inflation—excluding volatile fresh food prices—increased 3.0% from a year earlier, government data showed Friday.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Whether you’re laying out a full spread at home or hauling a hard-won potluck contribution across town, its insulated design keeps hot food hot and chilled dishes cool.

Read more on Salon

Professor Gilbert noted that overlooking microbial diversity weakens climate resilience, food security, and ecosystem restoration efforts.

Read more on Science Daily

Stripping out often volatile food and energy costs, the consumer price index rose 2.7% on a year earlier.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That includes staying warm at home, as well as accessing food, drinks and medication.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• bread 
• cooking 
• cuisine 
• drink 
• fare 
• feed 
• foodstuff 
• meal 
• meat 
• snack