ingredient

noun

in·​gre·​di·​ent in-ˈgrē-dē-ənt How to pronounce ingredient (audio)
: something that enters into a compound or is a component part of any combination or mixture : constituent
ingredient adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for ingredient

element, component, constituent, ingredient mean one of the parts of a compound or complex whole.

element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character.

the components of a stereo system

constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

Examples of ingredient in a Sentence

He uses only the finest ingredients in his cooking. the ingredients of a salad the ingredients in the soap Honesty is an essential ingredient of a successful marriage. The show has all the ingredients needed to attract a large audience.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Still, drugstore conditioners stand out because of their affordable prices, which usually result from more straightforward, less expensive ingredients compared to pricier bottles. Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Mar. 2025 Key Ingredients for Watergate Cake Watergate cake calls for a few pantry staples and some surprising other ingredients for its flavor and fluffy texture: White cake mix: Use your favorite brand. Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025 Professional chefs’ carrot cake recipes do not give fans any clarity on whether raisins are a proper ingredient. Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025 The pilot model in general is more often employed in comedy as a proof of concept for tone, chemistry among the ensemble cast, comedic timing and other key ingredients of a successful series. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ingredient

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin ingredient-, ingrediens, present participle of ingredi to go into, from in- + gradi to go — more at grade entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ingredient was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ingredient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ingredient. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

ingredient

noun
in·​gre·​di·​ent in-ˈgrēd-ē-ənt How to pronounce ingredient (audio)
: one of the substances that make up a mixture
ingredients of a salad

Medical Definition

ingredient

noun
in·​gre·​di·​ent in-ˈgrēd-ē-ənt How to pronounce ingredient (audio)
: something that enters into a compound or is a component part of any combination or mixture
formula which will have just about the same ingredients as mother's milkMorris Fishbein
ingredient adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on ingredient

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