dietary

1 of 2

adjective

di·​e·​tary ˈdī-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce dietary (audio)
-ˌte-rē
Synonyms of dietarynext
: of or relating to a diet or to the rules of a diet
dietary guidelines
dietarily adverb

dietary

2 of 2

noun

plural dietaries
: the kinds and amounts of food available to or eaten by an individual, group, or population

Examples of dietary in a Sentence

Adjective Many of our patients have special dietary needs.
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.
Adjective
Your cat’s age Your cat’s age affects its overall dietary needs. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026 The other women gladly step up to the plate, but that doesn’t stop them from using the moments leading up to the give-back as an opportunity to further gossip about Pinky’s dietary choices. Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
All guests are sent pre-arrival preference sheets to note any dietaries or special requests, such as caviar (at extra cost). Kendall Hill, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2024 Keto-Apple Cider Vinegar is both a dietary and a miracle formula. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Jan. 2024 See All Example Sentences for dietary

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1585, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dietary was in 1585

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Cite this Entry

“Dietary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dietary. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

dietary

adjective
di·​etary
ˈdī-ə-ˌter-ē
: of or relating to a diet or to the rules of diet

Medical Definition

dietary

1 of 2 noun
di·​etary ˈdī-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce dietary (audio)
plural dietaries
: the kinds and amounts of food available to or eaten by an individual, group, or population

dietary

2 of 2 adjective
: of or relating to a diet or to the rules of a diet
a dietary disease
dietary habits
dietarily adverb

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