ENGLISH
REFERENCE

esophagus

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ɪˈsɑfəɡəs// esoph·a·gus

n. the tube in your body that carries food and liquid from your mouth down to your stomach.

n. the muscular tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. Primarily used in medical or anatomical contexts; spelled 'oesophagus' in British English.


SIMPLE

Food travels down the esophagus to reach the stomach.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor performed an endoscopy to check for any blockages or irritation in the patient's esophagus.

COMPLEX

The muscular walls of the esophagus contract in a rhythmic wave called peristalsis, ensuring that food moves downward even if the person is not standing upright.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used in medical contexts; the spelling 'esophagus' is standard in American English.

Pitfall

the food goes to the esophagusthe food goes down the esophagusIn English, we typically use the preposition 'down' to describe the movement of food through this organ.

© 2026 English Reference