multivitamin

adjective mul·ti·vi·ta·min \ -ˈvī-tə-mən , British usually -ˈvi- \

Updated on: 25 May 2018

Definition of multivitamin

: containing several vitamins and especially all known to be essential to health

a multivitamin pill

See multivitamin defined for kids

First Known Use of multivitamin

1939

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

multivitamin

noun

Definition of multivitamin

: a multivitamin preparation

See multivitamin defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of multivitamin from the Web

Overall, multivitamins are not recommended for the generally healthy.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "Supplements are a $30 billion racket—here’s what experts actually recommend," 20 Feb. 2018
Bentley still takes five supplements a day: a multivitamin to prevent dry eyes, magnesium to prevent cramps while exercising, red yeast rice to prevent diabetes, coenzyme Q10 for overall health and vitamin D based on her doctor’s recommendation.

— liz szabo, Washington Post, "Older Americans Are Hooked On Vitamins Despite Scarce Evidence They Work," 4 Apr. 2018
And the industry is rife with hype and wishful thinking—even the evidence for multivitamins isn’t solid.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "Supplements are a $30 billion racket—here’s what experts actually recommend," 20 Feb. 2018
Some derms also suggest taking a multivitamin with biotin and a fish-oil pill to make your hair stronger.

— jessica prince erlich, Harper's BAZAAR, "13 Secrets to Long, Thick, Shiny Hair," 7 Nov. 2016
Nutranext, based in Sunrise, Fla., makes products such as Rainbow Light multivitamins, Natural Vitality specialty minerals, and Neocell supplements for hair, skin and nails.

— cara lombardo, WSJ, "Clorox to Buy Dietary-Supplement Maker Nutranext for $700 Million," 12 Mar. 2018
Like healthy adults, healthy kids don’t need a multivitamin and should avoid high doses of individual micronutrients.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "Supplements are a $30 billion racket—here’s what experts actually recommend," 20 Feb. 2018
Regular multivitamins may not have sufficient levels of B vitamins.

— richard a. marini, San Antonio Express-News, "6 foods to avoid if you’re taking these prescription drugs," 6 Mar. 2018
Last week, British personal trainer Russell Bateman launched a new daily multivitamin known as Lyma, which will be available for international shipping next week.

— elizabeth narins, Cosmopolitan, "An Expert Explains WTF Is Up With These New Supermodel Supplements," 28 Feb. 2018

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