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

Coconuts on the beach and mid-afternoon smoothies keep hydration and vitamin levels high. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

First up is 20% off Necessaire’s The Body Retinol Firming Retinol Body Lotion at just $52, which does a great job at firming and hydrating skin with retinol plus glycerin and vitamin B3. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2026

It’s packed with protein, fibre and vitamin K which is vital for bone and heart health. — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026

Dudash points to protein as important for maintaining lean muscle mass, along with vitamin D, calcium and magnesium for bone health and vitamin B-12 for brain health. — Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 5 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