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

That’s an approach supported not only by this study but by decades of nutrition research across many different health conditions. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

They are further accused of failing to take him to the doctor, despite having health care, and failing to provide him with proper nutrition or a safe and clean home. — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 2 July 2026

On this side of the millennium, after a brief overshadowing by Greek yogurt in the early aughts, cottage cheese is firmly back on the minds of those considering their nutrition. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 July 2026

Purina’s chief snuggle officers will be responsible for demonstrating good nutrition and lots of love, two of the most important parts of a puppy’s or kitten’s formative years. — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 6 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