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

Notes of orange, grapefruit, tangerine, and lemon bring a burst of sunny citrus to every lather, while ingredients like vitamin C, chamomile, ginseng, ginger, and vitamin B5 nourish and revitalize the skin. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026

Early tests suggest that the gadusol has antioxidant properties as well, kind of like vitamin C, so this could help neutralize some of those damaging free radicals that are, um, caused by sun exposure. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026

Their menus include advanced therapies such as vitamin shots, protein and stem cell treatments, and IV infusions designed to support goals like weight loss, stress relief, and gut health. — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026

The lion eventually died on July 28 despite treatment with subcutaneous fluid, liver tonics and vitamins, the zoo said. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 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