macrobiotics

American  

[mak-roh-bahy-ot-iks] / ˌmæk roʊ baɪˈɒt ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. a philosophically oriented program incorporating elements from several ancient cultures and emphasizing harmony with nature, especially through adherence to a diet consisting primarily of whole grains, beans, vegetables, and moderate amounts of seafood and fruit.

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macrobiotics British  

/ ˌmækrəʊbaɪˈɒtɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) a dietary system in which foods are classified according to the principles of Yin and Yang. It advocates diets of whole grains and vegetables grown without chemical additives

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Etymology

Origin of macrobiotics

1860–65 for general sense “the science of prolonging life”; macrobiotic, -ics

Example Sentences

It emerges from a particular food lineage — one shaped by mid-century macrobiotics, health-food evangelists and a curious, earnest embrace of global cuisines.

From Salon • Jan. 13, 2026

"I really deepened my connection with food and the whole philosophy around macrobiotics, which is essentially just how they eat in the mountains of Japan, so very local, very seasonal," she explained.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2025

One parent waves off their teenager’s sudden interest in politics as a fad, like eating macrobiotics.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2025

The environmentalist movement of the 1960s and 70s was intertwined with various healthy-eating trends, from veganism and vegetarianism to macrobiotics.

From Slate • Dec. 2, 2024

I am extremely healthy and fit at 73 because of macrobiotics.

From New York Times • Nov. 28, 2017