WordGarden.iofood
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈuːd/
US
- /ˈfud/
Meanings
Noun
substances that people or animals eat for nourishment
something that nourishes, sustains, or stimulates a mind, feeling, or process
Beyond the definition
Food is not just something that stops hunger. It is part of daily life. It gives us energy, keeps us healthy, and often brings people together. Think of a warm pie made by your grandmother. It is not only something to eat. It can also carry memory, love, and tradition.
We use "food" in many everyday ways, from a quick apple at lunch to a big meal on a special day. Sometimes it means a basic need, as in "People need food to survive." Sometimes it means pleasure, as in "This restaurant has great food." You may also hear "food for thought," which means something that makes you think.
Food is what people and animals eat to live, grow, and stay strong. It gives the body energy and the nutrients it needs. In everyday life, the word can refer to almost anything we eat, from fruit and bread to soup, meat, rice, sweets, and ready-made meals.
But food is not only about health or survival. It is also deeply tied to home, culture, and emotion. A shared meal can welcome a guest, bring a family together, or mark an important day. A holiday dinner, a birthday cake, or a simple lunch with friends can all feel special because of the people and memories around them.
The word is used in many common expressions. We say "fast food" for quick meals, "comfort food" for dishes that make us feel safe or happy, and "food for thought" for an idea that gives us something to think about. In this way, the word can be both literal and metaphorical.
So, whether it is a small snack, a full meal, or part of an expression, "food" usually points to nourishment, shared experience, and one of the basic parts of life.
Examples
- 1
Packing
We packed enough food for the whole day.
- 2
Restaurant quality
The restaurant is known for its fresh, simple food.
- 3
Healthy eating
I try to avoid fried food during the week.
- 4
Street food
Street food is cheap and easy to find near the station.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Spoiled food
This food has gone bad, so don't eat it.
- 6
Food types
Some foods are high in sugar, even when they don't taste very sweet.
- Grammarfoods
different kinds of food
- 7
Comfort food
When I'm sick, soup is my comfort food.
- Phrasecomfort food
food that makes you feel better emotionally
- 8
Figurative use
His question gave us food for thought.
- Phrasefood for thought
something worth thinking about carefully
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- comfort food
- junk food
- food poisoning
- food chain
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- foodnoun
Forms
- foodspluralnoun