digestive

1 of 2

noun

di·​ges·​tive dī-ˈje-stiv How to pronounce digestive (audio)
də-
: an aid to digestion especially of food

digestive

2 of 2

adjective

1
: relating to or functioning in digestion
the digestive system
digestive disorders
digestive organs
2
: having the power to cause or promote digestion
digestive enzymes
digestively adverb

Examples of digestive in a Sentence

Adjective the digestive system of the body
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.
Noun
Common signs that your dog may be sensitive to something in their food can include frequent scratching, paw licking, gas, loose stools, occasional digestive upset, or changes in coat quality. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 With 20-plus stock keeping units to date, the brand’s assortment offers innovative solutions to core women’s health concerns, including sleep, immunity and digestive. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Adjective
Which wet hole is the way out — and which leads to a pool of skin-melting digestive acid? — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 Instead of guessing what's normal, users can build a personal baseline, identify patterns—like digestive changes that coincide with certain meals—and share results with their doctors. — Angela Haupt, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for digestive

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of digestive was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing digestive

Rhymes for digestive

See All Rhymes for digestive

Browse Nearby Words

digestion coefficient
digestive
digestive gland
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

digestive

adjective
di·​ges·​tive
dī-ˈjes-tiv, 
də-
1
: of or relating to digestion
digestive processes
2
: having the power to cause or help digestion
digestive enzymes

Medical Definition

digestive

1 of 2 noun
di·​ges·​tive -ˈjes-tiv How to pronounce digestive (audio)
1
: something that aids digestion especially of food compare digestant
2
: a substance which promotes suppuration

digestive

2 of 2 adjective
1
: relating to or functioning in digestion
digestive processes
2
: having the power to cause or promote digestion
digestive enzymes
digestively adverb
digestiveness noun
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