regimen

noun

reg·​i·​men ˈre-jə-mən How to pronounce regimen (audio)
also
ˈre-zhə- How to pronounce regimen (audio)
1
a
: a systematic plan (as of diet, therapy, or medication) especially when designed to improve and maintain the health of a patient
b
: a regular course of action and especially of strenuous training
the daily regimen of athletes
2
3

Did you know?

Being but humble lexicographers, we cannot say whether an apple a day truly keeps the doctor away, but as far as regimens go, one could do a lot worse than snackin’ on a McIntosh. Regimen, which usually refers to a system of rules or guidelines—often for living a healthy life or taking a regular dose of exercise—comes ultimately from a Latin verb, regere, meaning “to direct.” Regere led in apple-pie order to the English word regimen, first by way of the Latin noun regimen, meaning “steering” or “control,” and then via the Medieval Latin regimen, referring to a set of rules. Other regere descendants fell further from the tree, including correct, erect, region, rule, and surge. Be sure not to confuse regimen with another of its kin, regiment, which refers to a military unit, as doing so could upset the apple cart.

Examples of regimen in a Sentence

with the start of the new year, a new party will have regimen over the nation and, hopefully, bring some much-needed change
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.
Tennis star Roger Federer's preparation regimen was one contributing factor to his successful career. Roy Ward, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Buddy began many different treatment regimens, both medication- and rehabilitation-based. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025 Of course, her wellness regimen also plays a huge role in how Pompeo, 55, looks and feels. Jackie Fields, People.com, 30 June 2025 The rubber that creates a tight seal on oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine doors certainly needs a good cleaning regimen to remove debris and mildew. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for regimen

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin regimin-, regimen position of authority, direction, set of rules, from Latin, steering, control, from regere to direct

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of regimen was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Regimen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regimen. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

regimen

noun
reg·​i·​men ˈrej-ə-mən How to pronounce regimen (audio)
-ˌmen
1
: a regular course of treatment
2
: a form of government : rule

Medical Definition

regimen

noun
reg·​i·​men
ˈrej-ə-mən also ˈrezh-ə-
: a systematic plan (as of diet, therapy, or medication) especially when designed to improve and maintain the health of a patient

More from Merriam-Webster on regimen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!