vegetarian

American  

[vej-i-tair-ee-uhn] / ˌvɛdʒ ɪˈtɛər i ən /

noun

1. a person who does not eat or does not believe in eating meat, fish, fowl, or, in some cases, any food derived from animals, as eggs or cheese, but subsists on vegetables, fruits, nuts, grain, etc.

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adjective

1. of or relating to vegetarianism or vegetarians.

2. devoted to or advocating this practice.

3. consisting solely of vegetables.

   vegetarian vegetable soup.

vegetarian British  

/ ˌvɛdʒɪˈtɛərɪən /

noun

1. a person who advocates or practises vegetarianism

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adjective

1. relating to, advocating, or practising vegetarianism

2. cookery strictly, consisting of vegetables and fruit only, but usually including milk, cheese, eggs, etc

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonvegetarian
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of vegetarian

First recorded in 1835–45; veget(able) + -arian

Explanation

A vegetarian is someone who doesn't eat any meat, including fish. Many vegetarians eat plenty of fruits and vegetables — but others subsist on pizza and mac and cheese. This is a word that has to do with diet — what people eat. Vegetarians avoid meat, usually for health reasons, for environmental reasons, or because they believe it's wrong to kill animals for food. Vegetarians will eat some animal products, like eggs and dairy, but vegans won't. Both vegetarian and vegan diets are becoming more common. Many animals are vegetarians, including our close relative, the gorilla.

Example Sentences

Moreover, the review addresses the issue of nutrient absorption interference, specifically with non-heme iron and calcium, potentially affecting people on vegetarian diets or those with specific nutritional needs.

From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026

There’s arroz con lentejas, a vegetarian take on “arroz con gandules” that literally translates to rice with lentils.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026

Her first name Tulsi is a sacred plant in Hinduism, and she is a lifelong vegetarian.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

Lerigo, 29, said her vet had approved her approach and Luna was much happier "because her stomach doesn't hurt" but - as a vegetarian - she said dealing with livers and hearts "freaks her out".

From BBC • May 5, 2026

Instead she fasted or ate vegetarian meals in her room.

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan