: a substance or ingredient that promotes growth, provides energy, and maintains life
Tomatoes contain a lot of nutrients, among them vitamins C and B-complex and the minerals iron and potassium.—
Mayo Clinic Health Letter
Mayo Clinic Health LetterMost frugivores do not depend exclusively on fruits, because fruits tend to be deficient in certain nutrients such as protein, and because they are only seasonally available.—Robert Lee Smith
Robert Lee SmithSandy soils need organic amendments to help them retain nutrients and water, which otherwise leach out quickly.—Sunset
SunsetExamples of nutrient in a Sentence
Adjective
a breakfast drink enriched with nutrient proteins and vitamins
Noun
Fruits and vegetables have important nutrients.
The soil is low in nutrients.
You need more nutrients in your diet.
Recent Examples on the Web
Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 11 June 2026
Over-fertilizing hanging baskets can lead to nutrient burn, causing yellowing leaves, stunted growth, crispy leaf tips, and wilting.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 8 June 2026
Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 13 June 2026
Scientists have believed the glycogen in the brain primarily resides in astrocytes, which act as support cells that provide nutrients to neurons.
—Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for nutrient
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Adjective
Limit these foods and prioritize nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beneficial fats, and lean proteins.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 11 June 2026
Over-fertilizing hanging baskets can lead to nutrient burn, causing yellowing leaves, stunted growth, crispy leaf tips, and wilting.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 8 June 2026
Noun
Watermelon seeds are safe to eat and packed with nutrients like protein, iron, and healthy fats.
—Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 13 June 2026
Scientists have believed the glycogen in the brain primarily resides in astrocytes, which act as support cells that provide nutrients to neurons.
—Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for nutrient
Cite this Entry
“Nutrient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutrient. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
nutrient
1 of 2 adjective
nu·tri·ent
ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt 
: furnishing nourishment
nutrient
2 of 2 noun
: a nutrient substance or ingredient
Medical Definition
nutrient
1 of 2 adjective
nu·tri·ent
ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt
: furnishing nourishment
nutrient
2 of 2 noun
: a nutritive substance or ingredient
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