nutrition

noun

nu·​tri·​tion nu̇-ˈtri-shən How to pronounce nutrition (audio) nyu̇- How to pronounce nutrition (audio)
1
: the act or process of nourishing or being nourished
specifically : the sum of the processes by which an animal or plant takes in and utilizes food substances
foods that are necessary for human nutrition
2
: nourishment sense 1
… get adequate nutrition both before and during the race.—John Hanc
nutritional
nu̇-ˈtri-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce nutrition (audio)
nyu̇-
adjective
nutritionally adverb

Examples of nutrition in a Sentence

The speaker discussed diet and nutrition with the class. good nutrition and proper exercise
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The agreement covers the procurement and delivery of maternal and child health supplies, as well as some nutrition supplies, to at least 15 countries previously covered, including Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti and Mali, UNICEF said. — Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026 Suazo said people who improve their nutrition may begin noticing changes within several weeks, although results can vary based on factors including diet, activity level and starting body composition. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Some canned soups come in low-sodium varieties, but check the sodium content on the nutrition label to be sure. — Laura Bradley, HEALTH, 17 Oct. 2026 In human medicine, research cites a benchmark of 10,000 steps per day as a threshold that, when combined with healthy nutrition, supports weight loss. — Will Boyd, Baltimore Sun, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nutrition

Word History

Etymology

Middle English nutricioun, from Late Latin nutrition-, nutritio, from Latin nutrire

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nutrition was in the 15th century

Rhymes for nutrition

See All Rhymes for nutrition

Browse Nearby Words

nutritial
nutrition
nutritional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nutrition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutrition. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

nutrition

noun
nu·​tri·​tion n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-ən How to pronounce nutrition (audio)
1
: the act or process of nourishing or being nourished
especially : the processes by which an animal or plant takes in and makes use of food substances
2
: nourishment sense 1

Medical Definition

nutrition

noun
nu·​tri·​tion n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-ən How to pronounce nutrition (audio)
1
: the act or process of nourishing or being nourished
specifically : the sum of the processes by which an animal or plant takes in and utilizes food substances
2
: food sense 1, nourishment
nutritional
-ˈtrish-nəl, -ən-ᵊl How to pronounce nutrition (audio)
adjective
nutritionally
-ē How to pronounce nutrition (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on nutrition

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nutrition

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