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victuals: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low (archaic or specialized).
UK/ˈvɪt(ə)lz/US/ˈvɪt(ə)lz/

Formal, archaic, literary, historical, regional, or humorous.

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Quick answer

What does “victuals” mean?

Food, provisions, or supplies.

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Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Food, provisions, or supplies.

Refers to food and drink items, especially when considered as provisions or stores. Often used in historical, literary, or rural contexts to denote hearty, simple fare.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning. In both regions, it is archaic/historical. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical literature or period drama.

Connotations

Old-fashioned, quaint, rural, or nautical.

Frequency

Very rare in contemporary speech. When used, it is often self-consciously archaic or for stylistic effect.

Grammar

How to Use “victuals” in a Sentence

to victual (verb - archaic)to lay in victualsto be short of victuals

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
store victualsprovide victualssimple victualshearty victualsfresh victuals
medium
enough victualsample victualsdaily victualsnautical victuals
weak
good victualsbuy victualsprepare victualsshare victuals

Examples

Examples of “victuals” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • The ship will victual at Portsmouth before the long voyage.
  • The innkeeper victualled the travellers generously.

American English

  • The army corps was tasked with victualling the frontier outpost.
  • They needed to victual the wagon train for the Oregon Trail.

adjective

British English

  • The victualling yard was busy ahead of the fleet's departure.
  • He kept a victualling bill for the household expenses.

American English

  • The victualling depot supplied the remote settlement.
  • A victualling list was essential for the expedition.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually never used.

Academic

Used in historical texts, literary analysis, or cultural studies discussing food history.

Everyday

Almost never used seriously; may be used humorously.

Technical

Used in historical reenactment contexts, certain traditional crafts (e.g., sailing on tall ships).

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “victuals”

Strong

farecomestiblesprovenderviandsrations

Neutral

foodprovisionssuppliesfoodstuffssustenance

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “victuals”

starvationfaminedeprivation

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “victuals”

  • Pronouncing the 'c' (/k/ sound). It is silent. Incorrect: /ˈvɪktʃuəlz/. Correct: /ˈvɪt(ə)lz/.
  • Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a victual').

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a plural noun with no common singular form in modern use. The archaic verb is 'to victual'.

It is pronounced /ˈvɪt(ə)lz/, rhyming with 'whittles'. The 'c' is silent.

Almost never in everyday speech. Use it only for deliberate archaic, historical, literary, or humorous effect.

From Latin 'victualia' (provisions), via Old French 'vitaille'. The spelling with 'c' was influenced by the Latin root.

Food, provisions, or supplies.

Victuals is usually formal, archaic, literary, historical, regional, or humorous. in register.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “Lay in the victuals (prepare/store food).”
  • “Victuals and drink (food and beverage).”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of "victuals" as "vital vittles" – the essential, basic food you need to survive.

Conceptual Metaphor

SUSTENANCE IS FUEL FOR THE HUMAN ENGINE (archaic).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The sailors were relieved to find the island's spring and plentiful to replenish their stores.
Multiple Choice

In which context would the word 'victuals' be LEAST appropriate?

victuals: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore