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nutritionist

American  
[noo-trish-uh-nist, nyoo-] / nuˈtrɪʃ ə nɪst, nju- /

noun

  • nutritionists
    plural
  1. a person who is trained or expert in the science of nutrition.


nutritionist British  
/ njuːˈtrɪʃənɪst /

noun

  1. a person who specializes in nutrition and the nutritive value of various foods

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms


Etymology

Origin of nutritionist

First recorded in 1925–30; nutrition + -ist


Explanation

A nutritionist is an expert on food, nourishment, and health. If someone is diagnosed with a condition such as diabetes, they may consult a nutritionist to help them make healthy meal plans. While a nutritionist doesn't need to have a special license (unlike a dietitian), most of them do have advanced degrees that require them to study human health and nutrition. Anyone who's interested in eating in a more healthful way can consult a nutritionist. Nutritionists also work in sports medicine, planning hospital meals for patients, and in nursing homes. It's generally a nutritionist's job to design meals that meet certain nutritional requirements or that treat specific ailments.

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Vocabulary lists containing nutritionist

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Kacie Carter, a nutritionist, chef and the founder of Honey Hi, a gluten-free breakfast and brunch spot in Echo Park, said, “I’m not of the mind that we should be ‘maxxing’ anything.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 22, 2026

However, the researchers advised people to speak with a registered dietitian nutritionist or physician for personalized guidance before making dietary changes.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 1, 2026

Kerr also worked with a chef and nutritionist who fed him plenty of carbohydrates and protein but also raw vegetables to boost overall health.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

Fareha Shanam, a nutritionist at Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, says eggs are among the most complete and affordable sources of protein.

From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026

Shackleton had consulted the British Army’s nutritionist, who believed in the newfangled idea of vitamins and who helped concoct the rations.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong

It’s not a combo that nutritionists endorse—but that’s part of the thrill.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026

His department threw that work “in the trash,” assembled a new group of nutritionists and, he jokes, locked them in a room for 11 months to produce recommendations actually grounded in science.

From Salon ● Aug. 5, 2026

The reversal follows criticism from teachers, nutritionists and parents who argued that removing eggs from school lunches could deprive children from poor families a key source of protein.

From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026

Add in tactical and analysis sessions, meetings with sports psychologist and nutritionists, and physio, and the days quickly become filled.

From BBC ● Feb. 18, 2026

It turns out that they were hunters, gatherers, and fishing people enjoying a remarkably diverse and well-balanced diet that modern nutritionists would applaud.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

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