vegetarian

American  

[vej-i-tair-ee-uhn] / ˌvɛdʒ ɪˈtɛər i ən /

noun

1. a person who does not eat or does not believe in eating meat, fish, fowl, or, in some cases, any food derived from animals, as eggs or cheese, but subsists on vegetables, fruits, nuts, grain, etc.

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adjective

1. of or relating to vegetarianism or vegetarians.

2. devoted to or advocating this practice.

3. consisting solely of vegetables.

   vegetarian vegetable soup.

vegetarian British  

/ ˌvɛdʒɪˈtɛərɪən /

noun

1. a person who advocates or practises vegetarianism

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adjective

1. relating to, advocating, or practising vegetarianism

2. cookery strictly, consisting of vegetables and fruit only, but usually including milk, cheese, eggs, etc

Other Word Forms

• nonvegetarian adjective

Etymology

Origin of vegetarian

First recorded in 1835–45; veget(able) + -arian

Example Sentences

“I’ve said this before, but I’m vegetarian, so I don’t know how to use that phrase properly,” he jokes.

From Los Angeles Times

But he can’t stand to wear them now, especially since he’s also a vegetarian.

From The Wall Street Journal

Celia and Mom don’t eat meat anymore, and I’m mostly vegetarian, too, but Mom knows I have a soft spot for hot dogs.

From Literature

Mizumi also offers a surprisingly extensive vegetarian menu, something you don’t often see at restaurants of this caliber.

From Salon

Because vegetarians and vegans avoid animal products, they naturally consume less methionine and cysteine than people who regularly eat meat.

From Science Daily