Mediterranean diet

noun

: a diet typical of many Mediterranean countries (such as Italy and Spain) that consists mainly of cereals, grains, vegetables, beans, fruits, and nuts along with moderate amounts of fish, cheese, olive oil, and wine and little red meat

The Mediterranean diet is a veteran of the diet scene and not quite as trendy or weight-loss-focused as some of its siblings. But it's a perennial favorite of doctors and dietitians, buoyed by studies that suggest it can lower the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

—Gisela Telis

Examples of Mediterranean diet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Mediterranean diet, on the other hand, is much less restrictive and actually promotes the consumption of red wine in moderation. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

The Mediterranean diet is, of course, known for promoting cardiovascular and metabolic health, including being linked to lower abdominal fat. — New Atlas, 15 July 2026

That's one reason olives and olive oil are foundational components of the Mediterranean diet. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 July 2026

There is considerable overlap with the Mediterranean diet, which also emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, olive oil and other healthy fats. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Mediterranean diet

• disquiet
• unquiet
• guyot
• piet
• quiet
• riot

Medical Definition

Mediterranean diet

noun

: a diet typical of many Mediterranean countries (as Italy and Spain) that consists mainly of cereals, grains, vegetables, beans, fruits, and nuts along with moderate amounts of fish, cheese, olive oil, and wine and little red meat