1
: the act or process of nourishing or being nourished
specifically : the sum of the processes by which an animal or plant takes in and utilizes food substances
foods that are necessary for human nutrition
2
: nourishment sense 1
… get adequate nutrition both before and during the race.John Hanc
nutritionally adverb

Examples of nutrition in a Sentence

The speaker discussed diet and nutrition with the class. good nutrition and proper exercise
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
School nutrition should reflect today’s students, not yesterday’s assumptions. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026 Prioritizing the basics, like sleep, nutrition, and strength training, and remaining consistent will lead to long-term results. Jenessa Connor, Health, 20 July 2026 Poor nutrition and poverty have resulted in shockingly high rates of diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses among Native Americans. Literary Hub, 20 July 2026 Meanwhile, some of the world's largest pet-food makers are investing heavily in nutrition and longevity products aimed at many of the same health problems. Elsa Ohlen,carolin Roth, CNBC, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for nutrition

Word History

Etymology

Middle English nutricioun, from Late Latin nutrition-, nutritio, from Latin nutrire

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nutrition was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nutrition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutrition. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: the act or process of nourishing or being nourished
especially : the processes by which an animal or plant takes in and makes use of food substances
2

Medical Definition

1
: the act or process of nourishing or being nourished
specifically : the sum of the processes by which an animal or plant takes in and utilizes food substances
2

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