ENGLISH
REFERENCE

eating

n. uncountable
A1 Beginner US //ˈitɪŋ// UK //ˈiːtɪŋ// eat·ing Dialect Informal

n. the act of taking food into your body through your mouth. It is one of the most basic things humans and animals do to stay alive.

n. the act or process of consuming food for nourishment. Often functions as a gerund; when used as a true noun, it typically refers to the quality or experience of a meal.


SIMPLE

Healthy eating is important for your body.

CONTEXTUAL

The restaurant is famous for its fine eating and excellent selection of local wines.

COMPLEX

While the nutritional value of the meal was high, the actual experience of eating was rushed and unpleasant due to the loud environment.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English etynge, from Old English eting.

Idioms3 entries

© 2026 English Reference