nutrition

noun

nu·​tri·​tion nu̇-ˈtri-shən  nyu̇- 

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

nutritional

nu̇-ˈtri-sh(ə-)nəl 

nyu̇-

adjective

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

Members are fitted with their own health team—a fitness trainer, nutrition coach, sleep coach and massage therapist. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025

What’s the Difference Between Soluble and Insoluble Fiber? How to Use Lentils to Add Fiber and Protein to Your Favorite Meals and Snacks Get more of SELF's great nutrition coverage delivered right to your inbox—for free. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 16 Apr. 2025

Just over two months after Kennedy was sworn in, Hall – the NIH’s top nutrition researcher working on those answers – is leaving. —Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025

Proponents of the soda ban are quick to note that the full name of the food-stamp program is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and no one is getting their nutrition assisted via a two-liter bottle of Pepsi. —Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for nutrition

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• cognition
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition

Kids Definition

nutrition

noun

nu·​tri·​tion n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-ən 

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

: nourishment sense 1

Medical Definition

nutrition

noun

nu·​tri·​tion n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-ən 

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

: food sense 1, nourishment

nutritional

-ˈtrish-nəl, -ən-ᵊl 

adjective

nutritionally

-ē 

adverb