nutrition

noun

nu·​tri·​tion nu̇-ˈtri-shən  nyu̇- 

1

: the act or process of nourishing or being nourished

specifically : the sum of the processes by which an animal or plant takes in and utilizes food substances

foods that are necessary for human nutrition

2

: nourishment sense 1

… get adequate nutrition both before and during the race.

—John Hanc

nutritional

nu̇-ˈtri-sh(ə-)nəl 

nyu̇-

adjective

nutritionally adverb

Examples of nutrition in a Sentence

The speaker discussed diet and nutrition with the class.

good nutrition and proper exercise

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers at the Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center evaluated how AI chatbots handle scientific misinformation through a series of questions about cancer, vaccines, stem cells, nutrition and athletic performance. —Kaan Ozcan, NBC news, 20 Apr. 2026

But nutrition experts say the right snack before bed can actually do more than take the edge off. —Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 19 Apr. 2026

After graduating from Yale, Sophie began focusing on developing a career in nutrition and wellness. —Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026

Rooted in tradition, these dishes often pair bold, vibrant flavors with wholesome ingredients, striking a balance between comfort and nutrition in a way that feels both satisfying and nourishing. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English nutricioun, from Late Latin nutrition-, nutritio, from Latin nutrire

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nutrition

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• cognition
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition

Kids Definition

nutrition

noun

nu·​tri·​tion n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-ən 

1

: the act or process of nourishing or being nourished

especially : the processes by which an animal or plant takes in and makes use of food substances

2

: nourishment sense 1

Medical Definition

nutrition

noun

nu·​tri·​tion n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-ən 

1

: the act or process of nourishing or being nourished

specifically : the sum of the processes by which an animal or plant takes in and utilizes food substances

2

: food sense 1, nourishment

nutritional

-ˈtrish-nəl, -ən-ᵊl 

adjective

nutritionally

-ē 

adverb