ingredient

noun in·gre·di·ent \ in-ˈgrē-dē-ənt \

|Updated on: 11 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: ingredient in a Sentence

Definition of ingredient

: something that enters into a compound or is a component part of any combination or mixture : constituent

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ingredient

adjective

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Examples of ingredient in a Sentence

He uses only the finest ingredients in his cooking.
the ingredients of a salad
the ingredients in the soap
Honesty is an essential ingredient of a successful marriage.
The show has all the ingredients needed to attract a large audience.

Recent Examples of ingredient from the Web

In 2017, California listed its active ingredient, glyphosate, as a chemical known to cause cancer.

— hallie detrick, Fortune, "RIP Monsanto: The Agriculture Giant Americans Loved to Hate," 4 June 2018
La Prairie’s version contains caviar water (really!) as its main ingredient.

— shannon barbour, The Cut, "An Indulgent No-Makeup Makeup Foundation," 4 June 2018
One study assessed the impact of reformulating OxyContin, a prescription opioid, to prevent it being crushed and snorted to extract its potent active ingredient.

— The Economist, "Some good news from the fight against opioids," 31 May 2018
Kraft revamped the Miracle Whip recipe last year, going back to its original ingredients and replacing high fructose corn syrup with sugar.

— annie gasparro, WSJ, "Kraft Heinz Prepares to Take On Hellmann’s With a New Mayonnaise and ‘Mayochup’," 20 May 2018
What’s more, their ingredients go by different names than traditional sunscreens.

— elizabeth siegel, Allure, "7 New Ways to Boost Your Hair-Care Routine This Year," 16 May 2018
Previously, Novo Nordisk had made its active pharmaceutical ingredients in Denmark — leaving facilities like the one in Clayton, first established in 1993, to manufacture devices or assemble packaging.

— max blau, STAT, "In the ‘diabetes belt,’ a small town grapples with growth of the world’s largest insulin maker," 15 May 2018
Nekter, in a space that formerly was a GNC health-products store, makes fresh juices and smoothies with a sharp eye on all of its ingredients.

— anne nickoloff, cleveland.com, "West Geauga high school celebrates 2018 prom at Landerhaven (photos)," 12 May 2018
When ready to cook pizza, make sure all of your ingredients are prepared.

— anna thomas bates, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Take it outside: 3 quick and easy pizzas to make on the grill," 11 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ingredient.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of ingredient

Middle English, from Latin ingredient-, ingrediens, present participle of ingredi to go into, from in- + gradi to go — more at grade

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First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined above

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ingredient Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of ingredient

element, component, constituent, ingredient mean one of the parts of a compound or complex whole. element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

- the basic elements of geometry

component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character.