ingredient

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noun in·gre·di·ent \in-ˈgrē-dē-ənt\

Definition of ingredient

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

ingredient

adjective

See ingredient defined for English-language learners

See ingredient defined for kids

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 a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until combined.

— nancy miller, The Courier-Journal, "Kentucky lamb meatball sliders recipe | Cuvee Wine Table", 4 July 2017
As with most better producers in the state, St. Augustine favors local ingredients, and that explains the bright notes of citrus in its wonderful New World Gin.

— paul abercrombie, chicagotribune.com, "From Florida's Panhandle to Key West: The craft-distillery trail", 3 July 2017
Data from such submission forms are often used to analyze department efficiency when drafting budget proposals and staffing models, and are a key ingredient to city audits.

— lauryn schroeder, sandiegouniontribune.com, "See how long it took San Diego to respond to 20,000 city trash requests", 3 July 2017
The key ingredient for another successful weather story though is the very low humidity again and only very light breezes from the south and west.

— matt rogers, Washington Post, "D.C.-area forecast: More clouds today, but comfortable through tomorrow; Heat hits back by late week", 27 June 2017
These particular lozenges contain no active ingredient.

— rene chun, Los Angeles Magazine, "Inside the Los Angeles Clinic That Uses Ketamine to Treat Depression", 19 June 2017
Michael Schwartz, who helped bring to Miami an emphasis on seasonal local ingredients 10 years ago with the opening of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, knows this from his days as a young cook watching the nonnas make pasta in Philadelphia.

— carlos frías, miamiherald, "These are the best reviewed restaurants of 2017 — so far", 6 June 2017
Straw is a key ingredient of compost and the farm had been purchasing it, at great expense, from a variety of sources.

— j. harry jones, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Farmer grows millions of pounds of mushrooms", 3 June 2017
As expected, Flores is a big proponent of keeping his ingredients as local as possible.

— j.f. meils and sebastian obando | ap, Washington Post, "In north Maryland, economic trick in blending old with new", 2 June 2017

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

See Words from the same year

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. the components of a stereo system constituent stresses its essential and formative character. the constituents of a chemical compound ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture. the ingredients of a cocktail

INGREDIENT Defined for English Language Learners

ingredient

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noun

Definition of ingredient for English Language Learners

: one of the things that are used to make a food, product, etc.
: a quality or characteristic that makes something possible

INGREDIENT Defined for Kids

ingredient

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noun in·gre·di·ent \in-ˈgrē-dē-ənt\

Definition of ingredient for Students

: one of the substances that make up a mixture

Medical Dictionary

ingredient

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noun in·gre·di·ent \in-ˈgrēd-ē-ənt\

Medical Definition of ingredient

: something that enters into a compound or is a component part of any combination or mixture formula which will have just about the same ingredients as mother's milk—Morris Fishbein