What does stomach mean?
The word 'stomach' most commonly names the digestive organ in the upper abdomen, where food is mixed with digestive juices and broken down. In everyday expressions it can also refer more broadly to the belly, as in phrases such as 'an upset stomach' or 'on an empty stomach.' When used as a verb, 'stomach' means to tolerate or accept something unpleasant, difficult, or distasteful: a person may be unable to stomach a proposal or a rude remark. The noun is familiar and neutral in most contexts, while the verb has a somewhat formal tone and often implies reluctance or discomfort rather than wholehearted acceptance. The word is also common in figurative expressions about feelings, appetite, nerves, and reactions to difficult experiences.
The muscular digestive organ in the upper abdomen that stores and breaks down food.
"The scan showed that the patient's stomach was unusually enlarged."
Also used informally to refer to the belly or abdomen.
The ability or willingness to tolerate or accept something unpleasant.
"He had no stomach for another argument that evening."
This sense is somewhat formal and commonly occurs in the expression 'have no stomach for.'
To tolerate or accept something unpleasant, difficult, or distasteful.
"The board refused to stomach the proposed changes without further discussion."
The verb often implies reluctance or discomfort rather than enthusiastic acceptance.
The regular plural is 'stomachs.' The plural is relatively uncommon because the organ is usually discussed in the singular.
"Some animals have larger stomachs than others."
Your stomach is a muscular mixing bag that can churn up to several litres of liquid at once, turning a meal into a churning, acidic soup.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stomach come from?
The word comes from Old English 'stomac,' which was borrowed from Latin 'stomachus.' Latin 'stomachus' came from Greek 'stomachos,' associated with 'stoma,' meaning 'mouth.' The English word originally referred to the digestive organ and later developed the meaning of the belly generally. The verb meaning 'to tolerate or endure' developed in the 16th century, probably from the idea of keeping something in the stomach without rejecting it.
Related word forms
How stomach is actually used
In its anatomical sense, the word is standard in British and American English. The verb 'stomach' is relatively formal and means to tolerate or accept something difficult or distasteful; it is stronger than simply 'accept' but less severe than 'endure'.