vitamin

noun

vi·​ta·​min ˈvī-tə-mən 

British usually

ˈvi- 

: any of various organic substances that are essential in minute quantities to the nutrition of most animals and some plants, act especially as coenzymes and precursors of coenzymes in the regulation of metabolic processes but do not provide energy or serve as building units, and are present in natural foodstuffs or sometimes produced within the body

Examples of vitamin in a Sentence

This cereal contains essential vitamins and minerals.

Did you remember to take your vitamin?

Recent Examples on the Web

The brand sells pouches of instant coffee and matcha, which contain 21 vitamins and minerals, and the functional mushrooms lion’s mane and chaga. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 9 July 2026

Turkey, eggs, seafood, tofu, lentils, quinoa and even peanuts each contribute in different ways, and rotating between them gives you a broader range of vitamins and minerals along the way. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Health and beauty items such as toothpaste and vitamins would also be sold. — Eric Adler july 9, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

SheaMoisture’s Raw Shea Butter Deep Moisturizing Detangler combines the brand’s signature ingredient, shea butter (famed for its ability to lock in hydration), with vitamin-rich sea kelp and strengthening, shine-imparting argan oil. — Eden Stuart, Glamour, 7 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of vitamine, from Latin vita life + English amine

First Known Use

circa 1912, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing vitamin

• B vitamin
• vitamin A
• vitamin B
• vitamin B complex
• vitamin C
• vitamin D
• vitamin E
• vitamin H
• vitamin K

Kids Definition

vitamin

noun

vi·​ta·​min ˈvīt-ə-mən 

: any of various substances that are necessary in very small amounts to the nutrition of most animals and some plants, that are important to the control of growth and development by activating and assisting in the function of enzymes, and that are present naturally in many foods or in some cases are produced within the body

Medical Definition

vitamin

noun

vi·​ta·​min ˈvīt-ə-mən, British also ˈvit- 

: any of various organic substances that are essential in minute quantities to the nutrition of most animals and some plants, act especially as coenzymes and precursors of coenzymes in the regulation of metabolic processes but do not provide energy or serve as building units, and are present in natural foodstuffs or are sometimes produced within the body