regimen

noun

reg·​i·​men ˈre-jə-mən 

also

ˈre-zhə- 

1

a

: a systematic plan (as of diet, therapy, or medication) especially when designed to improve and maintain the health of a patient

b

: a regular course of action and especially of strenuous training

the daily regimen of athletes

2

: government, rule

3

: regime sense 2c

Did you know?

Being but humble lexicographers, we cannot say whether an apple a day truly keeps the doctor away, but as far as regimens go, one could do a lot worse than snackin’ on a McIntosh. Regimen, which usually refers to a system of rules or guidelines—often for living a healthy life or taking a regular dose of exercise—comes ultimately from a Latin verb, regere, meaning “to direct.” Regere led in apple-pie order to the English word regimen, first by way of the Latin noun regimen, meaning “steering” or “control,” and then via the Medieval Latin regimen, referring to a set of rules. Other regere descendants fell further from the tree, including correct, erect, region, rule, and surge. Be sure not to confuse regimen with another of its kin, regiment, which refers to a military unit, as doing so could upset the apple cart.

Synonyms of regimen

• government
• administration
• rule
• regime
• governance

Examples of regimen in a Sentence

with the start of the new year, a new party will have regimen over the nation and, hopefully, bring some much-needed change

Recent Examples on the Web

Echeverria outlined in the habeas petition several medications Lopez-Cornejo was taking at the time of his death that required a strict regimen, including ones to treat epilepsy, high blood pressure and other conditions. — Armando Garcia, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

From environmental factors to watering and fertilizing regimens, here are some of the most common reasons why crepe myrtles don’t flower and what to do about it. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026

Her regimen, known as CyBorD, included dexamethasone, bortezomib and cyclophosphamide. — Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Shaw stays with Tunsil throughout his offseason regimen in Alabama, whipping up meals and snacks that appear suited for a five-star restaurant. — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin regimin-, regimen position of authority, direction, set of rules, from Latin, steering, control, from regere to direct

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Kids Definition

regimen

noun

reg·​i·​men ˈrej-ə-mən 

-ˌmen

1

: a regular course of treatment

2

: a form of government : rule

Medical Definition

regimen

noun

reg·​i·​men

ˈrej-ə-mən also ˈrezh-ə-

: a systematic plan (as of diet, therapy, or medication) especially when designed to improve and maintain the health of a patient