nutritious
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of nutritious
1655–65; < Latin nūtrītius that suckles, nourishes, variant of nūtrīcius, equivalent to nūtrīci- (stem of nūtrīx ) nurse ( see nurse) + -us adj. suffix ( see -ous)
Explanation
Nutritious describes food that's good for you. Brown rice and kale are nutritious, but jelly beans, sadly, are not. Something that provides nutrients — vitamins, minerals, and protein, for example — is nutritious. Our bodies need nutritious food to grow, heal, and stay healthy, however much we might crave tasty, non-nutritious snacks. The adjective nutritious comes from the Latin word nutritius, "that nourishes," which in turn comes from the root nutrix, "nurse."
Vocabulary lists containing nutritious
Unit 1: Ecological Systems
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Words to Describe Food
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The First State of Being
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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.
“While we understand the disappointment some may feel, we hope our loyal coffee yogurt lovers enjoy the many other delicious and nutritious alternatives,” said Rafael Acevedo, president of its yogurt division.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026
Eating a nutritious diet, losing weight, and becoming more physically active can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 28, 2026
Under A Step to Freedom’s contract with the Department of Health Services, the nonprofit is obligated to provide residents with a minimum of three nutritious meals per day.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026
Alex Kosmas, from the Health Improvement Commission, said: "Parents and carers have a pretty tricky job to get food on the table that is nutritious while balancing busy lives."
From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026
Their blood is a good, nutritious, salt-free drink; their flesh is tasty and filling; their fat has many uses; and the castaway will find turtle eggs a real treat.
From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
