regimen

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noun reg·i·men \ ˈre-jə-mən also ˈre-zhə- \

Definition of regimen

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 1c

See regimen defined for English-language learners

See regimen defined for kids

regimen was our Word of the Day on 08/05/2017. Hear the podcast!

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 of regimen from the Web

Hefford consumed protein shakes, as well as lean meat, egg whites and other protein-rich foods as part of her diet regimen in preparation for bodybuilding competitions, the paper.

— max londberg, kansascity, "Bodybuilders beware: Aussie’s protein intake may have contributed to her death," 16 Aug. 2017
Research suggests that simply forgetting to take medications is a leading cause of nonadherence and is exacerbated by the inconvenience of some treatment regimens.

— dhruv khullar, Washington Post, "I changed my patient’s blood pressure medications. Why weren’t they working?," 14 Aug. 2017
Ending an antibiotic regimen too soon—or taking one for too long—can both breed further bacterial resistance.

— maya wei-haas, Smithsonian, "This Is Why Taking Fish Medicine Is Truly a Bad Idea," 30 July 2017
Kardashian, who had previously struggled with physical and emotional wellbeing, began to adopt a healthier lifestyle, fitness regimen, and a generally more positive outlook.

— ruth kinane, EW.com, "Keeping up with the craziness: A timeline of Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna's relationship," 5 July 2017
Kardashian, who had previously struggled with physical and emotional wellbeing, begings to adopt a healthier lifestyle, fitness regimen, and a generally more positive outlook.

— ruth kinane, EW.com, "Keeping up with the craziness: A timeline of Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna's relationship," 5 July 2017
Additionally, the ability to manage and effectively maintain asthma regimens are, like just about everything else, connected to income, free time, and the robustness of services in a person’s community.

— vann r. newkirk ii, The Atlantic, "How to Beat Asthma," 5 July 2017
Alderson credited Barwis for many of the changes to Cespedes’s regimen — and for persuading him to stick with them.

— james wagner, New York Times, "Mets’ Plan to Keep Yoenis Cespedes Healthy: Add Water, Stir, and Hope," 4 July 2017
The new regimen is focused on improving the flexibility of his legs, back and hips.

— james wagner, New York Times, "Mets’ Plan to Keep Yoenis Cespedes Healthy: Add Water, Stir, and Hope," 4 July 2017

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

Did You Know?

We borrowed "regimen" straight from Latin, spelling and all - but in Latin, the word simply meant "rule" or "government." In English, it usually refers to a system of rules or guidelines, often for living a healthy life or taking a regular dose of exercise. The Latin regimen derives from another Latin word, the verb "regere," which means "to lead straight" or "to rule." If you trace straight back from "regere," you'll find that "regimen" has plenty of lexical kin, including "correct," "erect," "region," "rule," and "surge." If you are using the "training" sense of "regimen," be careful not to confuse the word with "regiment," another "regere" descendant, which is used for a military unit.

Origin and Etymology of regimen

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

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