ingredient

American  

[in-gree-dee-uhnt] / ɪnˈgri di ənt /

noun

1. something that enters as an element into a mixture.

   Flour, eggs, and sugar are the main ingredients in the cake.

2. a constituent element of anything; component.

   the ingredients of political success.

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ingredient British  

/ ɪnˈɡriːdɪənt /

noun

1. a component of a mixture, compound, etc, esp in cooking

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Related Words

See element.

Etymology

Origin of ingredient

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English from Latin ingredient- (stem of ingrediēns ), present participle of ingredī “to go or step into, commence,” equivalent to in- in- ² + -gredient- “going”; gradient

Example Sentences

It’s a weekend endeavor—music on, spoon in hand—where time is the primary ingredient and depth the reward.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

That’s an essential ingredient to building electoral support for changes that often feel like a huge leap of faith when voters are accustomed to the false security of the status quo.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

CagriSema is a fixed-dose combination of two medications: cagrilintide, which mimics the natural hormone amylin, and semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo’s Wegovy and Ozempic.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

"Another decisive factor was the fact that detailed safety data was available for the long-term use of sildenafil in children, as the active ingredient is already approved for other pediatric disorders."

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

I sensed some ingredient missing from his usual amiability.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey

Related Words

• additive
• element
• factor
• piece