vegan

noun

veg·​an ˈvē-gən 

also

ˈvā- 

also

ˈve-jən 

or

-ˌjan 

: a strict vegetarian who consumes no food (such as meat, eggs, or dairy products) that comes from animals

also : one who abstains from using animal products (such as leather)

vegan adjective

vegan desserts

a vegan restaurant

veganism

ˈvē-gə-ˌni-zəm 

also

ˈvā-gə- 

or

ˈve-jə- 

noun

Did you know?

The Difference Between Vegetarian, Vegan, and Other Diets

The word vegetarian sprouted up in 1839. Fruitarian ("a person who lives on fruit") ripened by 1893. In 1944, vegetarians who consume no animal or dairy products began calling themselves vegans. Then, in 1993, those who eat fish but no other meat chose pesce, the Italian word for "fish," to create the designation pescatarian. In that same year, meatatarian was served up as a word for those whose diet largely includes meat; that word is rare, however, and is usually used in informal and humorous ways, making it the type of fare not included in our dictionaries. Another fairly recent dietary word is flexitarian, a person who follows a mostly vegetarian diet but occasionally eats meat or fish.

Examples of vegan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Crafted with recycled materials, the collection is entirely vegan, furthering Rombaut’s dedication to using earth-friendly components. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025

It’s wrapped in stylish vegan leather and is great for storing away bulkier items that take up unnecessary space in my carry-on. —Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 10 Nov. 2025

Niacinamide helps soothe redness and strengthen the skin barrier, green microalgae brings antioxidant support, vegan peptides help improve firmness and texture over time, and aloe adds lightweight, calming hydration. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 9 Nov. 2025

The menu features Gemignani’s New York, Sicilian, Grandma and Detroit-style pizzas, available by the slice or whole pie, with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. —Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

by contraction from vegetarian entry 1

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

vegan

noun

veg·​an ˈvē-gən 

: a strict vegetarian who does not use animals or dairy products for food

vegan adjective

veganism

ˈvē-gə-ˌniz-əm 

noun

Medical Definition

vegan

noun

veg·​an ˈvē-gən; ˈvej-ən  -ˌan 

: a strict vegetarian who consumes no animal food or dairy products

vegan adjective

veganism

ˈvē-gə-ˌniz-əm  ˈvej-ə- 

noun