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

Salicylic acid earns its place in thousands of cleansers, toners and spot treatments, but for readers already juggling retinoids, peptides and vitamin C, the question is less about whether to use it and more about how to fold it in. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2026

These vitamins have been approved by the public, those injections have not. — Danielle Pergament, Allure, 14 Sep. 2026

This can modestly contribute to your daily vitamin K needs, which is 120 and 90 micrograms for men and women, respectively. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 13 Sep. 2026

Common hazards include prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, cleaning and laundry products, cosmetics, pesticides, automotive fluids, and batteries. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 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 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