: a substance or ingredient that promotes growth, provides energy, and maintains life
Tomatoes contain a lot of nutrients, among them vitamins C and B-complex and the minerals iron and potassium.—
Mayo Clinic Health Letter
Mayo Clinic Health LetterMost frugivores do not depend exclusively on fruits, because fruits tend to be deficient in certain nutrients such as protein, and because they are only seasonally available.—Robert Lee Smith
Robert Lee SmithSandy soils need organic amendments to help them retain nutrients and water, which otherwise leach out quickly.—Sunset
SunsetExamples of nutrient in a Sentence
Adjective
a breakfast drink enriched with nutrient proteins and vitamins
Noun
Fruits and vegetables have important nutrients.
The soil is low in nutrients.
You need more nutrients in your diet.
Recent Examples on the Web
Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 13 May 2026
Keep the fertilizer away from the trunk to prevent nutrient burns, which can damage or kill the tree.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 13 May 2026
Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
The antioxidant story continues with green tea sourced from Korea’s Jeju Island, known for its mineral-rich soil and nutrient-dense crops, adding an extra layer of environmental defense.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nutrient
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Adjective
Sunflower seeds and walnuts are both nutrient-dense foods that support brain and overall health.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 13 May 2026
Keep the fertilizer away from the trunk to prevent nutrient burns, which can damage or kill the tree.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 13 May 2026
Noun
The red, purple or sometimes gold root vegetable — not to be confused with its white cousin, the sugar beet — is low-calorie and packed with nutrients and compounds linked to benefits, ranging from brain health to athletic performance.
—Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
The antioxidant story continues with green tea sourced from Korea’s Jeju Island, known for its mineral-rich soil and nutrient-dense crops, adding an extra layer of environmental defense.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nutrient
Cite this Entry
“Nutrient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutrient. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
nutrient
1 of 2 adjective
nu·tri·ent
ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt 
: furnishing nourishment
nutrient
2 of 2 noun
: a nutrient substance or ingredient
Medical Definition
nutrient
1 of 2 adjective
nu·tri·ent
ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt
: furnishing nourishment
nutrient
2 of 2 noun
: a nutritive substance or ingredient
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