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 Check the ingredient lists to know exactly what is in your foods. Jenna Birch, Health, 22 Mar. 2024 Even an ingredient like orange juice can make a cocktail savory, adding a tangy taste. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 22 Mar. 2024 This versatile biscuit recipe only takes five ingredients to make. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 20 Mar. 2024 The Volstead Jazz albums from a bygone era can be heard spinning at this Prohibition-style lounge while bartenders mix classic craft cocktails with small-batch spirits and ingredients from the local farmers market. Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2024 Though wasabi is most commonly served alongside Japanese dishes like sushi and sashimi, the paste is also a popular garnish or ingredient in some unexpected foods. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2024 Like a bar that doesn't serve alcohol, dry promotions lack the heady ingredient that most clearly signals how much a business values an employee — money. Anne Marie Lee, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2024 At Secret Bakery, and most bakeries, ingredients are measured by weight. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 10 Mar. 2024 Some home cooks swear by studded cloves, pineapple, or the addition of one carbonated secret ingredient. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ingredient.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near ingredient

Cite this Entry

“Ingredient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ingredient. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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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