nutrition

noun

nu·​tri·​tion nu̇-ˈtri-shən  nyu̇- 

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 

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

People who have realized the right to food and adequate nutrition can reliably access affordable, healthy and nutritious food. — Stephen Bagwell, Fortune, 13 July 2026

On ultra-long thru-hikes, nutrition becomes a serious concern, since months of hiking deplete nutritional stores and multivitamins cannot replace a balanced diet. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026

On ultra-long thru-hikes, nutrition becomes a serious concern, and multivitamins can’t replace a balanced diet. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026

Shoppers can scan or tap an item’s barcode to pull up an instant breakdown of nutrition facts. — Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

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

Rhymes for nutrition

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• cognition
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition

Kids Definition

nutrition

noun

nu·​tri·​tion n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-ən 

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 

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 

adjective

nutritionally

-ē 

adverb