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

Not nearly as greasy as a true balm, but richer than your typical face cream, this drugstore darling instantly soothes dry, chapped skin with the help of emollient shea butter, moisturizing vitamin B5, and calming madecassoside (a derivative of our fave, Centella asiastica, or cica for short). —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025

Pears also supply vitamin C and vitamin K, which aid immune function, collagen production and wound healing. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025

Then consider taking a vitamin or eating enough vitamin D-rich foods to get the right dose. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2025

Each scoop delivers 75 vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and adaptogens sourced from greens like alfalfa, spirulina, and artichoke. —Olivia Tarantino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025

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 B6
• vitamin B complex
• vitamin C
• vitamin D3
• vitamin E
• vitamin H
• vitamin K3

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