Food/fuːd/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Broad Meaning The word 'food' refers to a wide variety of items you can eat. Fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are all types of food. Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Importance Food can represent culture and may include specific dishes for holidays or events. Mooncakes are traditional food during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Pro Tip 3/3Essential for Life 'Food' implies essential sustenance necessary for survival. Access to food is a basic human right.