plural ingredients
1
: one of the things that are used to make a food, product, etc.
He uses only the finest/freshest ingredients in his cooking.
the ingredients of a salad
the ingredients in/of the soap
2
: a quality or characteristic that makes something possible
Honesty is an essential ingredient of/for a successful marriage.
The show has all the ingredients needed to attract a large audience.
Cite this Entry
“Ingredient.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/ingredient. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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