: a substance or ingredient that promotes growth, provides energy, and maintains life
Tomatoes contain a lot of nutrients, among them vitamins C and B-complex and the minerals iron and potassium.—
Mayo Clinic Health Letter
Mayo Clinic Health LetterMost frugivores do not depend exclusively on fruits, because fruits tend to be deficient in certain nutrients such as protein, and because they are only seasonally available.—Robert Lee Smith
Robert Lee SmithSandy soils need organic amendments to help them retain nutrients and water, which otherwise leach out quickly.—Sunset
SunsetExamples of nutrient in a Sentence
Adjective
a breakfast drink enriched with nutrient proteins and vitamins
Noun
Fruits and vegetables have important nutrients.
The soil is low in nutrients.
You need more nutrients in your diet.
Recent Examples on the Web
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
The brand’s proprietary Phyto-Lumen Complex and other nutrient-dense components aim to support healthy skin over time.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
In fact, many are beneficial, helping decompose organic matter, recycle nutrients, or even make food like mushrooms, bread and cheese.
—Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
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Adjective
Low-waste is the watchword, with any small amount of kitchen waste eventually becoming nutrient-rich compost.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
The brand’s proprietary Phyto-Lumen Complex and other nutrient-dense components aim to support healthy skin over time.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
Scientists have also observed that these electrical signals become more active when the hyphae of wood-decomposing fungi come into contact with wood, suggesting fungi might use this signaling to relay information about nutrients or damage across their networks.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
In fact, many are beneficial, helping decompose organic matter, recycle nutrients, or even make food like mushrooms, bread and cheese.
—Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nutrient
Cite this Entry
“Nutrient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutrient. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
nutrient
1 of 2 adjective
nu·tri·ent
ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt 
: furnishing nourishment
nutrient
2 of 2 noun
: a nutrient substance or ingredient
Medical Definition
nutrient
1 of 2 adjective
nu·tri·ent
ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt
: furnishing nourishment
nutrient
2 of 2 noun
: a nutritive substance or ingredient
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