Mediterranean diet

noun

: a diet typical of many Mediterranean countries (such as Italy and Spain) that consists mainly of cereals, grains, vegetables, beans, fruits, and nuts along with moderate amounts of fish, cheese, olive oil, and wine and little red meat

The Mediterranean diet is a veteran of the diet scene and not quite as trendy or weight-loss-focused as some of its siblings. But it's a perennial favorite of doctors and dietitians, buoyed by studies that suggest it can lower the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

—Gisela Telis

Examples of Mediterranean diet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mediterranean diets prioritize fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats. —Sarah Klein, Time, 28 May 2026

The Mediterranean diet, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and the Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet can be beneficial for brain health. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 24 May 2026

While no single diet suits everyone, the Mediterranean diet is a good fit for many. —Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2026

TikTokers are taking straight shots of olive oil and crediting the Mediterranean diet for everything from glowing skin to a longer life. —Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Mediterranean diet

• disquiet
• unquiet
• guyot
• piet
• quiet
• riot

Medical Definition

Mediterranean diet

noun

: a diet typical of many Mediterranean countries (as Italy and Spain) that consists mainly of cereals, grains, vegetables, beans, fruits, and nuts along with moderate amounts of fish, cheese, olive oil, and wine and little red meat