noun
foodstuff
FOOD-stuf
Foodstuff (noun) means any raw material that serves as food or is used as an ingredient in preparing it. Example: “Rice is a basic foodstuff for much of the world's population.”
noun
1
Any raw material that serves as food or is used as an ingredient in preparing it.
"Rice is a basic foodstuff for much of the world's population."
"The warehouse stores foodstuffs such as flour, sugar and oil."
"Prices for many foodstuffs have risen sharply this year."
How to use foodstuff
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIt is a general word for any raw material or ingredient that counts as food.
When to use it
It sounds more formal than the everyday word food, and turns up most often in trade, supply and economic contexts.
Common pairings
basic foodstuff
essential foodstuffs
price of foodstuffs
store foodstuffs
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Fill the gap
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Rice is a basic _____ for much of the world's population.
Etymology
The word is a compound formed by joining food and stuff, naming any material used as food.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does foodstuff mean?
It refers to any material that is used as food or as an ingredient in preparing food.
Is foodstuff the same as food?
It is closely related but tends to refer to raw materials or ingredients, often discussed in the plural as foodstuffs.
Can foodstuff be used in the plural?
Yes, foodstuffs is common when referring to several types of food materials together.
What is the meaning of foodstuff?
"foodstuff" (noun) means any raw material that serves as food or is used as an ingredient in preparing it.
