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

Oysters are rich in zinc, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium to support health. —Heidi Cope, Health, 22 Jan. 2026

The luxurious face lotion reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to a blend of vitamins, amino acids, botanical extracts, and more. —Ruby McAuliffe, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026

This healthy green soup offers fiber and protein from the beans, and vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from superfood Swiss chard. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 21 Jan. 2026

Kennedy has also promoted unproven treatments, including leucovorin, a synthetic form of vitamin B9 or folate, which the body needs to make healthy blood cells. —Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 20 Jan. 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