ingredient

noun

in·​gre·​di·​ent in-ˈgrē-dē-ənt 

: something that enters into a compound or is a component part of any combination or mixture : constituent

ingredient adjective

Synonyms of ingredient

• component
• factor
• element
• member

Choose the Right Synonym for ingredient

element, component, constituent, ingredient mean one of the parts of a compound or complex whole.

element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character.

the components of a stereo system

constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

Examples of ingredient in a Sentence

He uses only the finest ingredients in his cooking.

the ingredients of a salad

the ingredients in the soap

Honesty is an essential ingredient of a successful marriage.

The show has all the ingredients needed to attract a large audience.

Recent Examples on the Web

The company likes to stress its use of fresh ingredients, including 100% American beef patties, boned and ground by In-N-Out's own butchers. —Molly Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Dec. 2025

Pairing protein with fiber-rich ingredients—like pistachios and crunchy veggies—helps keep her full and supports regularity. —Cheyenne Buckingham, SELF, 9 Dec. 2025

From measuring ingredients and mixing to chilling, baking, and icing, there’s a lot that goes into making these holiday treats. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 9 Dec. 2025

In Cuba, the pizzas have thick, burned crusts and cheese only at the center because no one can get enough ingredients or anything but a deep aluminum dish to cook them in — and so, in Miami, with all the resources of capitalism at hand, Cubans make the same pizza. —Abraham Jiménez Enoa, The Dial, 9 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin ingredient-, ingrediens, present participle of ingredi to go into, from in- + gradi to go — more at grade entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ingredient

• expedient
• obedient
• disobedient
• inexpedient

Kids Definition

ingredient

noun

in·​gre·​di·​ent in-ˈgrēd-ē-ənt 

: one of the substances that make up a mixture

ingredients of a salad

Medical Definition

ingredient

noun

in·​gre·​di·​ent in-ˈgrēd-ē-ənt 

: something that enters into a compound or is a component part of any combination or mixture

formula which will have just about the same ingredients as mother's milk

—Morris Fishbein

ingredient adjective