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plant-based

American  
[plant-beyst] / ˈplæntˌbeɪst /

adjective

  1. relating to or being a food consisting entirely or mainly of whole or minimally processed plant parts, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, legumes, and seeds: the health benefits of a plant-based diet and lifestyle.

    plant-based burgers that taste like meat;

    the health benefits of a plant-based diet and lifestyle.

  2. relating to or being a medicine, fuel, etc., made from plants or plant matter.


Etymology

Origin of plant-based

Coined in 1980 by Thomas Colin Campbell (born 1934), U.S. biochemist

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.

It’s the first 100% plant-based Italian restaurant in the United States.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

It is best known for its quirky, colourful hair claw clips, made from a plant-based alternative to conventional, petroleum plastic.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Net sales fell 9.4% in the quarter ended Feb. 28, driven by a 27% decline for Atkins and 17% for Owyn, a plant-based protein brand, Simply Good said last week.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Next is competition — Rival food companies quickly rolled out their own plant-based fares to try to ride Beyond Meat’s coattails.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 12, 2026

During this period, they were given plant-based meals.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026