es·sen·tial
i-ˈsen(t)-shəl 
2
a
: of the utmost importance : basic, indispensable, necessary
an essential requirement for admission to college
b
: being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet
a vegetable oil rich in essential fatty acids
see also essential amino acid compare nonessential sense 2
3
: idiopathic
essential disease
essential hypertension
1
: something basic
the essentials of astronomy
2
: something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable
Examples of essential in a Sentence
Adjective
As a fighter pilot, he knows that good vision is essential.
Free speech is an essential right of citizenship.
The essential problem with this plan is that it will cost too much.
There's no essential difference between the two products.
Noun
the essentials for success include a willingness to work and the right attitude
this will be just an introduction to the essentials of computer programming
Recent Examples on the Web
Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
Still, in previous shutdowns, these essential workers have eventually started to call out from work in increasing numbers, which has led to longer security lines and delays at some airports.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025
Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025
Families and workplaces should practice safety drills and create emergency plans that include out-of-state contacts, meeting points, and supply kits with essentials such as water, food, flashlights, and medical supplies.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
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Adjective
The dress is made from a fine-gauge knit that offers warmth without feeling bulky, which is essential for fluctuating weather.
—Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
Still, in previous shutdowns, these essential workers have eventually started to call out from work in increasing numbers, which has led to longer security lines and delays at some airports.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
Bloomingdale’s will also offer guests an immersive brand experience, providing a destination to discover Burberry’s signature outerwear and essentials.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025
Families and workplaces should practice safety drills and create emergency plans that include out-of-state contacts, meeting points, and supply kits with essentials such as water, food, flashlights, and medical supplies.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential
Cite this Entry
“Essential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essential. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
essential
1 of 2 adjective
es·sen·tial
i-ˈsen-chəl
1
: forming or belonging to the essence
free speech is an essential right of citizenship
2
: containing or having the character of an easily evaporated essence
essential oils
3
: important in the highest degree : necessary
food is essential to life
essentiality
noun
-ˌsen-chē-ˈal-ət-ē
essential
2 of 2 noun
: something basic, necessary, or indispensable
the essentials for success
Medical Definition
essential
adjective
es·sen·tial
i-ˈsen-chəl
1
: being, relating to, or containing an essence
an essential odor
2
: being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet
The body converts linoleic acid—an essential fatty acid that makes up 60 percent of corn oil—into arachidonic acid.—Janet Raloff, Science News
see essential amino acid compare nonessential
Janet Raloff, Science News3
: having no obvious or known cause : idiopathic
essential disease
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