digestive system

noun

: the bodily system concerned with the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of food and the discharge of residual wastes and consisting of the digestive tract and accessory glands (such as the salivary glands and the pancreas) that secrete digestive enzymes

Examples of digestive system in a Sentence

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.
This slower process could help give your dog's digestive system time to adjust. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Cox said alpha-synuclein, the misfolded proteins that cause Parkinson's disease, can sometimes start in the gut and spread up the vagus nerve — the nerve that carries signals between your brain, heart and digestive system. — Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026 The findings build on a growing body of research on the neurological connections between the brain and the digestive system, emphasizing the importance of our gut bacteria in maintaining good cognitive health. — Mike McRae 25, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026 Probiotics restore a balance to our digestive system and promote new microorganism growth. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for digestive system

Word History

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of digestive system was in 1790

Rhymes for digestive system

See All Rhymes for digestive system

Browse Nearby Words

digestive gland
digestive system
digestive tract
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Digestive system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/digestive%20system. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

digestive system

noun
: the bodily system concerned with the intake, breakdown, and absorption of food and the discharge of wastes and that includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestine, anus, and glands (as the salivary glands)

Medical Definition

digestive system

noun
: the bodily system concerned with the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of food and the discharge of residual wastes and consisting of the digestive tract and accessory glands (such as the salivary glands and the pancreas) that secrete digestive enzymes

called also alimentary system

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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