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

Natto offers a big dose of plant protein, fiber and minerals, and is an unusually concentrated source of vitamin K2, particularly menaquinone-7 (MK-7). — New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026

Brands are now repurposing the same under-the-lip delivery system for caffeine, cannabis, vitamins and melatonin, with nootropic pouches sitting at the newest edge of that shift. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026

For those folks, getting your vitamins via a fun-to-eat, tasty gummy will be a real gift. — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Oct. 2026

When to See a Healthcare Provider B vitamins, magnesium, iron, vitamin D, CoQ10, creatine, and vitamin C all play different roles in the processes that keep your body functioning and producing energy. — Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 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