vitamin

noun

vi·​ta·​min ˈvī-tə-mən 

British usually

ˈvi- 

: any of various organic substances that are essential in minute quantities to the nutrition of most animals and some plants, act especially as coenzymes and precursors of coenzymes in the regulation of metabolic processes but do not provide energy or serve as building units, and are present in natural foodstuffs or sometimes produced within the body

Examples of vitamin in a Sentence

This cereal contains essential vitamins and minerals.

Did you remember to take your vitamin?

Recent Examples on the Web

Protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber still play an important role in supporting muscle health, energy levels and digestion. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 15, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

Strawberries are packed with vitamins and nutrients that contribute to your overall health. — Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 16 July 2026

Sisters with lower blood folate (vitamin B9) levels tended to show greater brain shrinkage and weaker cognitive performance, particularly when their homocysteine levels were elevated. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026

Sisters with lower blood folate, or vitamin B9, tended to show greater brain shrinkage and weaker cognitive performance than those with higher levels. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of vitamine, from Latin vita life + English amine

First Known Use

circa 1912, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing vitamin

• B vitamin
• vitamin A
• vitamin B
• vitamin B complex
• vitamin C
• vitamin D
• vitamin E
• vitamin H
• vitamin K

Kids Definition

vitamin

noun

vi·​ta·​min ˈvīt-ə-mən 

: any of various substances that are necessary in very small amounts to the nutrition of most animals and some plants, that are important to the control of growth and development by activating and assisting in the function of enzymes, and that are present naturally in many foods or in some cases are produced within the body

Medical Definition

vitamin

noun

vi·​ta·​min ˈvīt-ə-mən, British also ˈvit- 

: any of various organic substances that are essential in minute quantities to the nutrition of most animals and some plants, act especially as coenzymes and precursors of coenzymes in the regulation of metabolic processes but do not provide energy or serve as building units, and are present in natural foodstuffs or are sometimes produced within the body