vegan

American  

[vee-guhn, vey-] / ˈvi gən, ˈveɪ- /

noun

1. a vegetarian who omits all animal products from the diet.

2. a person who does not use any animal products, as leather or wool.

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adjective

1. of or relating to vegans or their practices.

   vegan shoes made of synthetic leather.

vegan British  

/ ˈviːɡən /

noun

1. a person who refrains from using any animal product whatever for food, clothing, or any other purpose

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Other Word Forms

• veganism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of vegan

First recorded in 1940–45; contraction of veg(etari)an

Explanation

If you’re a vegan, you’re a strict vegetarian, and you don’t eat anything that comes from an animal, including meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. A vegan diet is heavy on fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains. Because only animal products contain cholesterol, vegans often have lower blood cholesterol than the bacon-cheeseburger crowd. As vegan diets have become more popular, many restaurants now offer a range of vegan choices, like veggie burgers and bean burritos. As you no doubt noticed, vegan is related to vegetarian and vegetable.

Example Sentences

“As charming as this story is, it is most likely apocryphal,” writes food writer and vegan activist Colleen Patrick-Goudreau on her Substack.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

It serves simple food, and has good vegan options.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

She advises people who are vegan to choose fortified milk and yoghurt substitutes to absorb more of these vitamins.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Scott follows an almost entirely vegan diet, shuns processed foods, and prefers to fast in the mornings.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

To put New England on a vegan diet would mean most of its food would have to be imported from elsewhere.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan