supplement

1 of 2

noun

sup·​ple·​ment ˈsə-plə-mənt How to pronounce supplement (audio)
1
a
: something that completes or makes an addition
2
: a part added to or issued as a continuation of a book or periodical to correct errors or make additions
3
: an angle or arc that when added to a given angle or arc equals 180°

supplement

2 of 2

verb

sup·​ple·​ment ˈsə-plə-ˌment How to pronounce supplement (audio)
supplemented; supplementing; supplements

transitive verb

: to add or serve as a supplement to
does odd jobs to supplement his income
supplementation noun
supplementer noun

Examples of supplement in a Sentence

Noun the supplement to the encyclopedia First-class accommodation is available for a supplement. Verb She began supplementing her diet with vitamins.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Your dose of lactase supplements may depend on the severity of your lactose intolerance symptoms, your dairy intake, and the brand of supplement. Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2024 Other brands in the Caravan portfolio include Hai, which specializes in smart shower systems, and Love, Nala, a line of premium cat food, treats and supplements. Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024 Two years ago, she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, and the supplements and vitamins her doctor recommends can mean spending hundreds of dollars some months. Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 5 Mar. 2024 Over the years, Gideon and his descendants built the company from a small chain of midwestern drug stores to a research giant that developed or sold a long list of household-name drugs and supplements, from Metamucil to Dramamine to Ambien. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 This effect, while harmless, is a good reminder of how diet and supplements can influence bodily functions. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN, 29 Feb. 2024 Can taking a zinc supplement ensure that your injection goes the distance? Korin Miller, Health, 26 Feb. 2024 The supplement can even reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, which could lead to pregnancy. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024 The single-use supplement features formulas inspired by ancient health practices (think: Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine), designed to foster vitality, digestion, immunity, and more. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2024
Verb
Naturally, the sleek interiors are supplemented by a lush yard, an outdoor fireplace, and a large swimming pool. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024 And the Razorbacks will be back in the portal after spring to supplement the spots again. Tom Murphy, arkansasonline.com, 7 Mar. 2024 Non-marketers may look to outside help to spin up or supplement their marketing program—which can, of course, be a great idea. Christine Pilkington, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Here are some specific considerations for supplementing with iron: Take iron supplements separately from prenatal vitamins: Some forms of supplemental iron can compete for absorption with other nutrients. Casey Seiden, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024 What are the benefits of supplementing with probiotics? Tracy Achonwa, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2024 Soil with rich, organic matter helps supplement growth. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2024 In recent years, there have been multiple instances of teachers losing their jobs over their OnlyFans side gigs, which many creators use as a way to supplement wages from other jobs. Angela Yang, NBC News, 15 Feb. 2024 Side hustles can significantly supplement income, diversify skills, and provide a runway for full time entrepreneurship. Melissa Houston, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'supplement.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin supplēmentum "something added to supply a deficiency or make up a whole, reinforcement," from supplēre "to fill up, complete, raise to its full complement" + -mentum -ment — more at supply entry 2

Verb

derivative of supplement entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

1659, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of supplement was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near supplement

Cite this Entry

“Supplement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supplement. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

supplement

1 of 2 noun
sup·​ple·​ment ˈsəp-lə-mənt How to pronounce supplement (audio)
1
: something that supplies what is needed or makes an addition
vitamin pills used as dietary supplements
2
: an arc or angle that when added to a given arc or angle equals 180 degrees
supplemental
ˌsəp-lə-ˈment-ᵊl
adjective

supplement

2 of 2 verb
sup·​ple·​ment ˈsəp-lə-ˌment How to pronounce supplement (audio)
: to add to
supplement their incomes by doing odd jobs
supplementation noun

Medical Definition

supplement

1 of 2 noun
sup·​ple·​ment ˈsəp-lə-mənt How to pronounce supplement (audio)
1
: something that completes or makes an addition
2

supplement

2 of 2 transitive verb
sup·​ple·​ment ˈsəp-lə-ˌment How to pronounce supplement (audio)
: to add a supplement to : serve as a supplement for
utilizes … surgery to supplement the traditional treatmentTherapeutic Notes

More from Merriam-Webster on supplement

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