Definition of vital
1a : of the utmost importance a vital clue vital resourcesb : fundamentally concerned with or affecting life or living beings: such as (1) : tending to renew or refresh the living : invigorating (2) : destructive to life : mortal
2a : concerned with or necessary to the maintenance of life vital organs blood and other vital fluidsb : existing as a manifestation of life
3 : full of life and vigor : animated
4 : characteristic of life or living beings
5 : recording data relating to lives
6 : of, relating to, or constituting the staining of living tissues
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Examples of vital in a Sentence
These matters are vital to national defense.
The sciences are a vital part of the school curriculum.
your heart, lungs, and other vital organs
Exercise keeps her young and vital.
Recent Examples of vital from the Web
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Occasionally repetitive and sloppy, a fiery passion shines through to highlight this vital, complex, difficult to address topic.
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Britain's intelligence services have launched an inquiry into how warnings about the 22-year-old Abedi's radical views were handled amid indications that vital warning signs were missed.
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In the rare but life-threatening instances where a sarcoma is suspected, seeking care from a dedicated team of sarcoma specialists is vital.
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Beck's hot bat has been vital for the T-Bolts, who are 10-5 despite hitting just .220 as a team.
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Artificial intelligence may help China better censor the internet, a task that often blocks Chinese researchers from finding vital information.
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Armed with that newfound self-assurance and a commitment for wide-ranging improvement, Grochowski and Valdiserri each became vital contributors as the Trevians earned return trips to the state tournament in 2016 and 2017.
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One federally funded international aid organization that works in more than 50 countries now highlights its development work as a counterweight to violent extremism and a vital tool to shore up the national security interests of the United States.
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Metea Valley coach Craig Tomczak knew the first inning would be vital for his team that got younger as the season wore on.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vital'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of vital
Middle English, from Latin vitalis of life, from vita life; akin to Latin vivere to live — more at quick
Synonym Discussion of vital
Other Biology Terms
VITAL Defined for English Language Learners
vital
playDefinition of vital for English Language Learners
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: extremely important
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: needed by your body in order to keep living
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: very lively or energetic
VITAL Defined for Kids
vital
playDefinition of vital for Students
1 : concerned with or necessary to the continuation of life The heart and lungs are vital organs.
2 : full of life and energy At 80, he's still an active and vital man.
3 : very important a vital clue
vitally
adverb These are vitally needed supplies.Medical Dictionary
vital
playMedical Definition of vital
1a: existing as a manifestation of lifeb: concerned with or necessary to the maintenance of life vital organs blood and other vital fluids
2: characteristic of life or living beings vital activities
3: recording data relating to lives vital records
4: of, relating to, or constituting the staining of living tissues
Learn More about vital
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See words that rhyme with vital Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for vital Spanish Central: Translation of vital Nglish: Translation of vital for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of vital for Arabic speakers
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