vital

adjective

vi·​tal ˈvī-tᵊl How to pronounce vital (audio)
1
a
: of the utmost importance
a vital clue
vital resources
b
: 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
2
a
: concerned with or necessary to the maintenance of life
vital organs
blood and other vital fluids
b
: 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
vitally adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for vital

essential, fundamental, vital, cardinal mean so important as to be indispensable.

essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.

conflict is essential in drama

fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies

cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

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 on the Web Depth and water temperature play the most vital roles in their success. Joe Cermele, Field & Stream, 14 Mar. 2024 Honoring Black Excellence’ details the vital role of Black people in the rodeo. Essence, 14 Mar. 2024 Moore was unaware of Brewer’s story until Cornett sent her the script but was immediately onboard to amplify Brewer’s vital role in country music history. Melinda Newman, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2024 While vital to people with diabetes, insulin can cause seizures and even death for the average person. Ashleigh Furlong, Fortune Europe, 13 Mar. 2024 Maintaining even a limited U.S. military presence is therefore vital to mitigating these risks, even if the United States continues to fall short of its ambitious regional goals. Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 12 Mar. 2024 Biden’s rift with Netanyahu grows wider Throughout the war in Gaza, the United States has remained a vital military supplier to Israel. Adam Taylor, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 But now she’s shaken off far too many of the vital elements that make her novels boil and steam. Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2024 Competent tax strategists, particularly those who are also enrolled agents or CPAs, can represent clients in IRS dealings, including audits, appeals, and tax dispute resolutions, offering a vital service in complex tax situations. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vital.' 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

Middle English, from Latin vitalis of life, from vita life; akin to Latin vivere to live — more at quick entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

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

Dictionary Entries Near vital

Cite this Entry

“Vital.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vital. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

vital

adjective
vi·​tal ˈvīt-ᵊl How to pronounce vital (audio)
1
: concerned with or necessary to the continuation of life
the heart and lungs are vital organs
2
: full of vitality : animated
3
: characteristic of life or of living things
vital activities
4
: destructive of life : fatal
a vital wound
5
: of first importance
a vital clue
vitally adverb
Etymology

Middle English vital "alive, full of life, relating to life," from Latin vitalis "of life," from vita "life"

Medical Definition

vital

adjective
vi·​tal ˈvīt-ᵊl How to pronounce vital (audio)
1
a
: existing as a manifestation of life
b
: 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
vitally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on vital

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