“Food and drink” is an essential aspect of our daily lives. Therefore, you might find yourself repeating the phrase “food and drink” throughout your week. If it’s starting to feel worn out, we’re here to help!
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of one-word synonyms for “food and drink” that you can use in formal and informal settings.
Words for “Food and Drink”
- Refreshments
- Aliments
- Groceries
- Sustenance
- Consumables
- Perishables
- Victuals
- Nourishment
- Fare
- Provisions
- Goods
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “Refreshments” is a collective term for “food and drink” that you can use in formal social events.
- “Aliments” is a dated term that means “food and drink,” but it will often be confused with the word “ailments.”
- You can use the word “groceries” to refer to “food and drink” that you buy from a shop or grocer.
Don’t go anywhere! In the next section, we’ll discuss some of our favorite synonyms for “food and drink” in more detail.
Moreover, we’ll provide some helpful example sentences making use of each of our chosen alternatives.
Refreshments
Merriam-Webster defines a “refreshment” as “something (such as food or drink) that refreshes.” Therefore, “refreshments” can be considered a collective word for “food and drink.”
Firstly, you will likely hear this phrase in social circumstances, such as a party, event, or work function. Moreover, the word “refreshments” comes across as suitably formal to use in work and school situations.
Therefore, if you are planning a formal event and looking for a fancy word for “food and drinks,” “refreshments” will do just fine!
Finally, let’s see a couple of example sentences making use of this term:
Please help yourselves to refreshments in the foyer.
We will be providing refreshments in the form of a light meal and non-alcoholic beverages.
Aliments
“Aliments” is an Old English word for “food and drink.” Merriam-Webster defines this term as a synonym for “food” or “sustenance.”
Moreover, Merriam-Webster states that this word is dated to the 15th century and was still used prominently in the 18th and 19th centuries as well. Therefore, it is another word for “food and drink” that you can use today, although it is dated.
Unfortunately, in modern times, “aliments” will often appear to be a misspelling of “ailments.” Therefore, “aliments” is not a better phrase to use than “food and drink,” as it may lead to some confusion.
Additionally, it will probably come across as highly formal and even a bit stuffy. Nevertheless, let’s see a couple of example sentences making use of this synonym:
A crumb of bread and watery soup were the only aliments made available to us during our imprisonment.
I am fearful that the aliments on the ship will soon run out, and the crew will suffer as a result.
Groceries
“Groceries” is another good word for “food and drink.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines this word as meaning “the food and other items that you buy in a store or supermarket.”
In other words, “groceries” often refers to food, but it can also include drinks. After all, drinks could fall into the “other items” category.
Firstly, “groceries” is not a slang word for “food and drink.” However, it is certainly a more informal one-word alternative than some of the others on our list.
Secondly, you will often hear this phrase being used casually to refer to the goods obtained during a shopping trip. Most English speakers will be familiar with this phrase. Therefore, it is a good option to use if you want to refer to “food and drink” collectively.
Finally, let’s see this word in action in a couple of examples sentences:
I’m going to pick up some groceries on the way, so I may be a little late.
The cost of groceries has been increasing steadily this year.