comfort food
/ˈkʌmfət fuːd/
Meaning
This term refers to food that provides a feeling of well-being, consolation, or physical comfort, often associated with childhood, home cooking, or nostalgia. These dishes are typically high in carbohydrates or simple prep, and people often crave them when they are stressed, sad, or sick. It is a very common concept in modern English-speaking cultures.
Examples
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For me, macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food on a rainy day.
For me, macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food on a rainy day.
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When I'm feeling homesick, I always cook my mom's chicken noodle soup for some comfort food.
When I'm feeling homesick, I always cook my mom's chicken noodle soup for some comfort food.
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This cozy little diner specializes in classic American comfort food like meatloaf and mashed potatoes.
This cozy little diner specializes in classic American comfort food like meatloaf and mashed potatoes.
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After a long, stressful week at work, all I wanted was some warm comfort food.
After a long, stressful week at work, all I wanted was some warm comfort food.
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Grilled cheese with tomato soup is a nostalgic comfort food for many people.
Grilled cheese with tomato soup is a nostalgic comfort food for many people.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I need some comfortable food because I am sad.
✓ I need some comfort food because I am sad.
"Comfortable" means physically cozy (like a chair). The noun adjunct "comfort" must be used to describe this category of food.
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✗ Pizza is my favorite comforting food.
✓ Pizza is my favorite comfort food.
While the food itself is comforting, the standard, universally recognized compound noun is "comfort food".
Related Expressions
Practice
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When I am sick, hot chicken soup is my favorite ___.
💡 Food that makes you feel emotionally warm and nostalgic.
Show answer
comfort food
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This restaurant serves delicious, hearty ___ that reminds me of my grandmother's kitchen.
💡 Nostalgic, cozy dishes.
Show answer
comfort food